A Twist of Lemon Delicious
Written by the Lesbian Idols
Directed by Louise Fisher
New Theatre, 542 King St, Newtown, Sydney
March 6-13
Bookings (02) 9519 8958
$15 per ticket
REVIEW BY RACHEL EVANS
As part of the lead up to Sydney's gay and lesbian Mardi Gras, there are a plethora of queer events to attend. They range from dance parties, cabaret performances, and literary reading to film nights and sporting events. A Twist of Lemon Delicious is one feel-good Mardi Gras event to prioritise.
Lesbians have been getting a bit of press lately. Apparently two women kissing is a turn on for straight men. Marketing men and women want to turn some heads.
Of course, the two women are just interested in turning on the blokes, not themselves, but hasn't that always been what women's sexuality's been about? No, says Lemon Delicious.
The play's uncompromisingly sexy lesbian cast, beautifully crafted songs and tongue in cheek examination of lesbian stereotypes left me with a feeling of pride and a sore belly.
Move over Priscilla, Queen of the Desert — here comes the lesbian roadshow! In Delicious' make-believe world of well-funded, popular dyke culture, a group of lesbian idols are on their way from Newtown to Dubbo to perform to crowds of adoring fans.
A large yellow lemon bus is boarded, only to breakdown in the middle of the desert. Tensions result in a heartfelt song sung by our "lippy" lesbian about the pressure to conform to a short-haired, unemotional, pants-wearing ideal to be accepted as a lesbian in this trendy group.
A tender song, "So glad you are with me tonight", from one lesbian singing about the wonders of being with her soft-skinned love had audience members sighing with memories of past, present and future partners.
"I am, you are, we are Australian" was aptly transformed into "I am, you are, we are all lesbians" and the joyous "Come and see the real thing" performance was a real highlight.
That the women and men in the audience enjoyed themselves was demonstrated with everyone singing and clapping along throughout the songs. In my mind, the performers all made it to lesbian idol status by the end of the show.
From Green Left Weekly, March 3, 2004.
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