COMEDY REVIEW: Them Fatale
17.05.2023 at Basement Theatre
This review is part of the 2023 Comedy Festival Lineup!
“I won’t be satisfied with one, they’s have more fun!”
A dark red hue envelops the room and a single microphone stands in the middle of the stage. While the seats are filling up, so is the anticipation. Suddenly, an announcement introduces the act. However, the speaker seems confused as to who is being announced: “They? Them? I thought it was only one person!”. After having a back-and-forth argument with themselves, the dashing James Hilary Penwarden, or Them Fatale, struts onto the stage with slicked-back hair and a sharp burlesque-style outfit. This hilariously unique way of introduction sets the rhythm for an enchanting night full of laughter, shock, and relatability. This is especially the case for those who fit into one or more of the following areas of being: non-binary, bisexual, polyamorous, a ‘Pick and choose Catholic’, an Aquarius, or a fan of the television show ‘Lost’. Them Fatale is truly a show for everyone.
James’ experienced career in theatre and production was particularly reflected in the use of music; their expertly written songs sent the entire audience laughing, and the lyrics were masterfully arranged with backing tracks and production by Maxwell Apse. It was so funny seeing James pretend to play the electric guitar during their songs and take the mickey out of only knowing a few chords. However, their voice had great range and the audience couldn’t help sing along to the catchy lyrics. I felt like I was sitting around a campfire singing songs at a queer boy-scouts! It was really refreshing to see a comedy set centred around the queer and non-binary experience. As a queer person myself, I related to a number of the jokes and it felt incredibly validating. My favourite songs were the ‘Repressed heterosexual woman song’ and ‘Lost, the TV Show as a metaphor for my gender identity crisis.’ Prior to watching Them Fatale, I had no knowledge about the television show ‘Lost’, but I’m now scrambling to watch the pilot, which was highly revered by James.
Also, the exploration of polyamory added another layer of interest and captivation. The topic was approached in a way that both informed the audience and destigmatised the stereotypes that polycules face. Through the concise way that James went about discussing this important part of their identity, there was a sense of normalisation and understanding amongst the audience. James’ dramatically narrated anecdotes surrounding themes of being a queer, polyamorous and “pick and choose” Catholics were so entertaining. They discussed everything from their “favourite conversion therapy slang” and what should and shouldn’t be shared within relationships. Like how far is too far? Clothes? Yeah, whatever. Toothbrush? Pretty bad, but not a huge loss. And then they tell us the story of a shared possession that had the audience and I in shock!
Whether they were belting songs about how “Jesus was a trans lesbian” and “Mary has big pussy energy” with an electric guitar or unpacking their disappointment for their favourite television show’s finale episode, I was here for it all! James’ incredible storytelling left me both informed and highly entertained… and now I have their songs stuck in my head.
Likely permanently. However, I think that is most definitely for the best.
I loved Them Fatale as much as James Hilary Penwarden “loves dumb people” (a lot)!
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