Would you consider yourself an old soul with a bit of dark humour that’s open to an eccentric type of entertainment? Then look no further! With so much variety on offer at the Fringe Festival and not enough time to see them all, this might just be the one for you. And for the record, there is a plot twist!

Happening at the Mercury Theatre, it’s not my first time being here and the anticipation of returning for another show got me very excited. Their bar stocks great beers, wine and non alcoholic beverages too. They even sell popcorn and ice cream for nibbles before or inside the cinema. This made for the perfect place for a late-night debut. We loved the setting of the cinema seats as we hastily sat for the best view which of course was the very front row. We wanted to get acquainted with our surroundings and be immersed with what was about to come.

An epic yet chilling entrance from Ashley Hribar our pianist/composer launched this one man show. What is the name of this show you intrigue us with? you ask… It’s a silent classic movie called “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari“.

Our own Australian pianist and composer Ashley Hribar made his first debut at the Fringe Festival this year and tonight was his opening night. Ashley decided to use this 1920 silent classic movie to show his incredible talent for piano accompaniment and music arrangement therefore making the movie itself. I would categorise it as a thriller comedy although quite intense with excitement. Ashley Hribar nailed the show by multi-tasking his limbs so independently, each hand seemed to have a mind of its own. The movie was so easy to follow with every single tune on point. I must admit his own original arrangement is clever, witty and fabulous.

Without trying to spoil the show, let’s just say expect the unexpected. The story started with a young man telling an elderly character on a bench a story about how it all started. There was 6 acts and from the first act it escalated quickly to the second which kept us wanting more. There was a festival, then a show, then there was a fling, then a murder, and then… Well, you’ve really got to see it yourself. And when there were victims, there must be suspects. You’re kept in suspense until act 5 where everything started to reveal before your very eyes. And don’t worry, you’ll get it. So sit tight and hold your breath. I am normally really good at reading the end of a movie but I didn’t see this one coming.

Support our own pianist and composer and book this show. You’ll be talking about it afterwards, I guarantee.

Words by Dee Pene from Adelaide Food Authority