Swan Song

Overview

It’s like a kaleidoscope of glistening bodies reminiscent of one of Busby Berkley’s musical numbers of the 1930s. It's not hard to imagine you're on the set of a film like that when you see the Parnell Baths decorated with dozens of bathing beauties. After seeing the Wet Hot Beauties' Sirens in 2011, I figured Swan Song would be one of the picks of Auckland Fringe and I wasn't wrong.

This year Wet Hot Beauties perform their interpretation of Swan Lake in their trademark cheeky style. Influenced by the original ballet and Baz Luhrman's Romeo and Juliet, the sold-out show is quite traditional, but hip and fun at the same time. Choreographer Lara Fischet-Chrisholm adds a contemporary twist, while maintaining the grace and elegance you'd expect of a water ballet.

It's no easy feat organising a large group of women, so kudos must go to Wet Hot Beauties creators, Pip Hall and Judy Dale, as well as the Beauties themselves, of course. They played their parts with theatrical zest to a soundtrack which was both unexpected and apt. The versatile costumes and creative use of props really add to the magic of the show and even though I was familiar with both the story and the performers, I was riveted throughout.

Swan Song is definitely original and at times it really did feel like a party. Wet Hot Beauties looked like they were having such a great time that I wasn't sure who was enjoying themselves more - the performers or the audience. I'll be hanging out for their next show, the only thing I'm having trouble deciding is whether to be in the pool or out?