Hot Pink Bits

From AC/DC to Ricky Martin, via Sesame Street and many other points in between, Penny Ashton draws inspiration from an astounding medley of cultural points to examine our all too human fascination with sex.

From the moment she presented herself on stage as "Dr Love", wearing a suspiciously stained pink lab coat, Ashton kept the entertainment flowing, with never a flat moment in the whole hour. Song and dance routines, featuring topical lyrics, interspersed with game show segments, phone sex ventures, rapid fire sex facts and a massed group orgasm – amongst many other elements – impressed, as did her diversity of talents and the exuberant delivery with which she presented all material.

My show highlight was the rendition of My Favourite Things by a guest sock cock puppet – a simple enough concept, cleverly executed, with just the right amount of attention to detail, including a puppet theatre made from the front of a pair of jeans.

Beyond the well-written patter and thorough research behind the show, Ashton's vocal range and quality carried the cleverly smutty lyrics, with a clarity and brilliance that was both a joy to listen to as well as carrying the punchlines free of confusion.

The success of this presentation was especially impressive with New Zealander Ashton performing during a Perth summer heat wave in an interesting venue: the gutted shell of the old Treasury Building. While this has been transformed for the duration of the Fringe into a charming setting – an urban night garden in the courtyard linking the various parts of the old Government Offices – there was no air conditioning to cool the performer or full-house crowd. While audience members had handheld fans, Ashton valiantly presented in her fabulous corset and lacy layers of fabulous skirt.

The incongruous atmosphere of bare floorboards, original 80s venetian blinds and cramped folded seats added an extra level of difficulty to the task of entertaining Perth Fringe-goers, a feat Ashton accomplished in style.

Despite the difficulties with the venue – a stuffy room, with basic lighting and sound facilities – Ashton not only won over her audience but showed every sign of enjoying herself throughout, engaging in spirited heckles and impromptu lap dances with extremely willing audience members.

Leave inhibitions at home, have a laugh, learn new things and enjoy Hot Pink Bits.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Hot Pink Bits
Written and performed by Penny Ashton

Treasury Cabaret, Corner St Georges Tce & Barrack St Perth
January 27–February 3, 2012
Bookings and more information: www.fringeworld.com.au