one4review | On 12, Aug 2024

How good is your 80’s knowledge? Well this show will test you to the limit. Don’t stop believing is writer and performer Torrey Shine’s masterpiece.

Torrey incorporates over two hundred 80’s songs and movie quotes into a singing, story telling show that takes you right back to the 80’s.
It’s not a big stage multi performer show as you would think given the amount of song lines and movie quotes used, instead it’s a very cleverly constructed solo show.

She introduces her parents while using multiple well known song lyrics but their nagging has her going ‘Ga Ga’ (See how it works!). She also discusses ex boyfriends who have now all ‘bit the dust’. Her father puts his foot down and reminds her “I am your father’, before she finally meets the man of her dreams, Rick who ‘Never wants to give her up’.
The song and movie quotes are constant throughout the performance as she talks about getting a house in ‘ Electric Avenue’ with her boyfriend. With the use of some sexual references, she hilariously incorporates more 80’s lyrics into her sex life and manages to use multiple quotes and references while doing so. However, her relationship fails with plenty songs used to describe the feeling and emotions of breaking up.

An extremely well written show that deserves a bigger venue. The audience were immersed in an 80’s storyline that had them briefly singing along and trying to remember which songs or movies the lyrics came from. A genius piece of work, performed very well by a colourful and enthusiastic performer.

****

Reviewed by Steve
Backroom at PBH’s Free Fringe, @ slow progress cafe and records.
Until 25 Aug – Various times