I am Grease Grillson at Fringe Perth

I am Grease Wilson by Elise Wilson, Fringe Perth
Photo Credit: Sophie Minissale

My partner and I are regulars at Fringe World, and every year we try to check out a few acts that are outside our usual suspects. This time around we thought that I Am Grease Grillson, with its mix of physical comedy, clowning and mime, might fit the bill.

Hosted at The Jonesway Theatre in William Street, Northbridge (a very nice setup by the way, love the comfy seats!), the opening night was pretty much sold out. Pro tip: expect some gentle ribbing if you turn up late – you have to do the walk of shame right across the front of the stage to get to your seats!

Performer Elise Wilson takes on the persona of Grease Grillson, a well-built weightlifter with radical facial hair who is attempting to lift the world’s heaviest weight and shrug off a fear of inadequacy at the same time. We get to join Grease on his quest, featuring flashbacks, fast-forwards, feats and failures, plenty of fun and a little bit of fear (just a bit of audience participation, nothing too embarrassing, so don’t panic!). With funky dance moves and a flair for flinging himself about, Grease attempts to answer the question “Am I Enough?”.

No spoilers as to the answer,  but clocking in at 40 minutes I Am Grease Grillson provides a tightly scripted performance that moves along at a fast clip, and provides plenty of laughs (and a couple of emotional moments) along the way. Elise has a background in clowning and improv (as evidenced by a few off-the-cuff zingers on the night), and makes great use of her talents to deliver a masterful performance. With tickets on sale from $16.50 - $23, I Am Grease Grillson is a fun romp that will leave you feeling pumped!

I am Grease Grillson presented by performer Elise Wilson and director Duncan Young is on at The Jonesway Theatre as part of Fringe for 2 more performances -  tonight 30 January and tomorrow night 31 January.

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