Not Soooo Fresh review | Frenzy Theatre Co | Melbourne Fringe Festival | Trades Hall

 When I was invited to review Not Soooo Fresh, I immediately said yes, having been an avid purchaser of the So Fresh compilations over the years. But then I looked at the track listing for So Fresh: The Hits of Winter 2010 and realised I knew less than half the songs. I also discovered I’d never heard of the 2008 film Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging. However, Frenzy Theatre Co’s melding of these two pop culture references made Not Soooo Fresh not only the perfect way to end my Fringe Festival experience, but also a perfect night out to laugh and enjoy myself.

Created by Belle Hansen and Sarah Bowers, this is a scrappy re-telling of the coming-of-age film, capturing its teenage angst, romantic misadventures and awkward journey towards figuring out who you are. The catch is that they’ve chosen to tell this story using the So Fresh album in track listing order. Honestly, it’s like witchcraft, with the songs fitting into the plot so perfectly you’d think they were written for the show.

So while there's not a choice in what songs are played or when they are played, there is a creative choice in how they are slotted into the narrative. As Musical Director, Bowers does an exceptional job in finding ways for these songs to be the voice for specific characters. Vanessa Amorosi’s "My Mysterious" introduces fraternal twins Robbie and Tom to the school as the girls fawn over them. Train’s "Hey, Soul Sister" as the love theme between Robbie and Georgia is hilariously on the nose, while Lady Gaga’s "Alejandro" during the 'snogging lessons' is ridiculously inspired.

Of course, catchy songs and memorable moments need a cast that can do them justice, and this ensemble is fantastic. The 13 performers, 13!, fill the stage with their presence and energy. Luckily, there are no sets or large props, because I'm not sure how you'd fit everything in, although they do manage to bring in a shell pool! At times, two storylines unfold simultaneously, with multiple performers required on stage; Hansen's use of the aisles allows for more dynamic choreography and extends the action beyond the traditional performance area.

Cassie Ogle as Wet Lindsay brings a deliciously unhinged edge to the show, particularly when she brandishes a hockey stick and walks down the aisle with one thing on her mind: revenge. Teddy Burgess as Tom and Emily Pearson as Jas bring a goofy cuteness to their romance, while Joshua Gordon as Peter gives an unforgettable performance to the previously mentioned "Alejandro".

At the centre of it all, Louisa Scrofani makes Georgia a likeable lead, even when her choices leave plenty to be desired. She presents the awkwardness and insecurity of a teenager trying to navigate friendships, crushes, and the desire to fit in, while embracing the spirited, irreverent tone of the production.

While most of the costumes feature the cast in school uniforms, each character's look reflects their individual identity or the social group they belong to. Other outfits, including those for the fancy dress and pool parties, help scenes feel distinct and visually playful. Similarly, the lighting design helps set the mood, adding variety and atmosphere without interrupting the pace of the story.

Not Sooo Fresh may be a very Fringe Festival show, but hopefully there's life beyond Fringe for this, because even if you don't know the film or the songs that well, it's an absolute joy to watch. And with over 90 So Fresh albums having been released, there's certainly no shortage of material for a sequel.

Not Soooo Fresh was performed at Trades Hall between 14 - 18 October.

Image credit: Belle Hansen