one4review | On 04, Aug 2025

Alice Tovey is a stand-up Australian comedian, Glass houses is a personal story told in a such a way that not only do you get a sense of sadness and frustration, you also get a funny spin on what would normally be a heartbreaking story.

As you enter, Alice is already on-stage looking tense, nervous and on edge giving you a sense someone who may have Mental Health issues. After a brief introduction, Alice breaks into song and sings about many things that are wrong in life, her singing voice is surprising yet exceptional. She then explains that due to the good soil in Australia, it’s good for growing things especially lemon trees, but what is the best way to water a lemon tree? The result might put you off eating lemons from now on!

Alice then discusses her dad who was sent to a maximum-security prison, other types of ‘dad’ crimes and mothers advice provide a bit of laughter to break up the impact of her dad being sent to prison. If you add Alice’s ADHD, OCD and IBS into the mix you get a character that is extremely imbalanced at times. Prison food, coffee and choice of TV programmes in prison provide an eye-opening account of prison life.

Alice’s journey continues and discusses the choice she had to make when she was getting married, do you let your dad attend on day release or do you postpone the wedding till he gets out? Alice talks us through that scenario while maintaining the humour throughout. She then sings another very good song about ‘not being there’ which pretty well sums everything up. With some light swearing on the way this show will have you feeling surprised, confused and sad all at the same time with plenty of laughs on the way.

****

Reviewed by Steve J

Underbelly Delhi Belly

21.55 to 22.55

Until 24th August (not 11th)