Fun Home | PIP Theatre
All images: Kris Anderson
Fun Home is a musical adaptation of a graphic novel memoir by American cartoonist Alison Bechdel. I’ve read Bechdel's other well known series, Dykes to Watch Out For and I really loved it so I was excited to see how a similar work would be adapted into a musical. The story follows Alison through different stages of life and explores her coming out as a lesbian and her relationship with her closeted gay father. It’s described as a tragicomedy and they really nailed that tone, making sure the audience got a good amount of belly laughter and tears in the 130 min run time.
The seats were wrapped around the small stage and the cast was accompanied by a live band playing the original music which really elevated the show. They managed to fit a lot into a very small space and I had a good view of the performers even though they spent some time with their backs to other parts of the audience. We didn’t see the actors' faces during a scene where Alison's father tries to sleep with a former student of his, but we did see the horrified faces of the audience sitting across from them and watching them avert their eyes and furrow their brows was just as evocative.
Being so close to the audience and having such a minimal set meant that there was nothing distracting from the actors' performances and I think they all did an amazing job. Adult Alison (Aurelie Roque) was a charming narrator and pulled the non linear story together, Young Alison (Theo Hunt) was an energised bundle of parent pleasing energy and College Alison (Micheal Enright) was a real stand out vocally.
All images: Kris Anderson
Even though lesbian representation isn’t as rare or poor as it was 10 years ago, it still makes me feel warm and fuzzy when I see it. So of course one of my favourite songs was ‘Changing My Major’ where College Alison sings about her new girlfriend after coming out and sleeping with her for the first time. In this piece Enright’s performance perfectly captured the awkward joy of ‘leaping out of the closet’.
The show really saved up a massive emotional punch for the last act. The songs ‘Telephone’ followed by ‘Edges of the World’ had me sobbing. The actors had a really genuine connection and they really seemed to feel the tragedy of two people who are desperately trying to connect with each other when it's just too late. Bruce Bechdel singing ‘Edges of the World’ was another stand out. His voice filled up the space and made it seem like he was singing in a cathedral instead of a tiny theater. I would suggest bringing some tissues if you go to see this show.
Fun Home is a wonderful adaptation that captures the spirit of Alison Bechdel's original work. They do a great job of translating the non linear story in a live performance medium and skillfully walk the tightrope between tragedy and comedy. Whether you’re a fan of Bechdel's work or new to it, this musical offers a touching look at identity, family, and the ways we try to connect with the people we love.
‘Fun Home’ plays at PIP Theatre from 29 August to 14 September 2024.
