Give 'Em The Old 'Razzle Dazzle'
August 27th 2007 07:06
Kerry Armstrong was never more brilliant than when she played Heather Jelly in SeaChange; however, her performance in this li’l Aussie production comes a close second.
The mockumentary follows two dance instructors who are engaged in fierce competition, Miss Elizabeth and Mr Jonathan, brilliantly portrayed by Jane Hall and Ben Miller. Miss Elizabeth is uptight, driven and convinced of her superiority. Mr Jonathan on the other hand, is awkward and humble, with a skewed but well-intentioned social conscience reminiscent of a less satirical Chris Lilley. While Miss Elizabeth’s pupils perfect their pas de chat, Mr Jonathan’s crew perform the Dance of the Sweat Shop Workers, to incongruous comic effect.
Meanwhile, three mothers are moving to a rhythm of their own. Justine Morgan (Armstrong) is the pushy parent of Tenille (Shayni Notelovitz), a student in Mr Jonathan’s class. She is an acrylic-nailed, fake-tanned, stiletto-shod monster of a mummy, devoting every waking moment to ensuring her daughter realises her ambitions – and eats her toast dry. Paulette Gibson (Nadine Garner), mother of Grace (Clancy Ryan) is far removed from Justine. She battles along, doing the best she can as a single mother, despite the constraints of time and complications of an ex-husband with a boyfriend. And then there’s Mr Jonathan’s assistant, Barbara Gibbs (Denise Roberts), who will do anything to be the mother of a child-star – even if it means kidnapping someone else’s.
As the Sanosafe Troupe Spectacular looms, Australian comedy proves itself once more. Razzle Dazzle is a shining, sequinned delight made all the better for being a bit off-beat.
Michaelie Clark
Kerry Armstrong dazzles. Courtesy of writeaway.net
Meanwhile, three mothers are moving to a rhythm of their own. Justine Morgan (Armstrong) is the pushy parent of Tenille (Shayni Notelovitz), a student in Mr Jonathan’s class. She is an acrylic-nailed, fake-tanned, stiletto-shod monster of a mummy, devoting every waking moment to ensuring her daughter realises her ambitions – and eats her toast dry. Paulette Gibson (Nadine Garner), mother of Grace (Clancy Ryan) is far removed from Justine. She battles along, doing the best she can as a single mother, despite the constraints of time and complications of an ex-husband with a boyfriend. And then there’s Mr Jonathan’s assistant, Barbara Gibbs (Denise Roberts), who will do anything to be the mother of a child-star – even if it means kidnapping someone else’s.
As the Sanosafe Troupe Spectacular looms, Australian comedy proves itself once more. Razzle Dazzle is a shining, sequinned delight made all the better for being a bit off-beat.
Michaelie Clark
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Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Wonderful post!
From Michaelie.
PS You are a sad, pathetic creature. Go Google yourself or call interactive game shows before people start to think you're psychotic.
Comment by Harry
Sydney Diary
Personals
Brisbane Diarystar
I've never really liked Aussie TV. I hate to think I've just got a bad dose of the cultural cringe but I find it superficial and obvious. Good ol' british tv, especially the comedy is much more to my taste. I did not even like Kath and Kim. I'll keep an eye out for Razzle Dazzle though
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Thanks for your comment. Most Aussie TV (except Seachange) leaves a lot to be desired, it's true, but I feel a compulsion to support it, which is why I'm still just hanging in there with Sea Patrol, despite gross unsubtlety, lack of reality, and serious continuity problems!
However, I think there are a lot of fantastic Aussie movies - The Castle, Lantana, Priscilla, Strictly Ballroom (Baz can do no wrong), etc, that really are unique. The Castle had a ridiculously low budget and was shot in 11 days, yet I would pick it anyday over plenty of American block busters.
You're very right about the Brits, they get it right in every area. I think Aussie humour shares more with British and Irish humour than with American 'humour'.
Well, I bloody hope so anyway!
Michaelie
PS, I like Kath and Kim in theory, but sometimes it's too repetitive.
PPS, I like my blog name too, i just hope no-one gets confused and calls me something other than 'flick wit'!
Comment by Bevan
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Comment by Anonymous
XOXOXOXO
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Thank you for your kind sentiments. I am indeed beautiful and talented. I am also single, but must reject you on the basis of your own photo. Are you, by any chance, a conjoined twin? That isn't why I'm rejecting you - that would be discriminatory. I just think both your heads are ugly.
Regards,
Michaelie
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Do you mean like if a man opens a door for a woman and says "ladies first", and then questions whether she is, in fact, a lady? That wouldn't be nice at all. Thank God that would never happen to me!
Michaelie