A disconsolate looking fairy wanders on stage, plugs in her guitar,
and sings, “Sometimes I wonder if I am real.” This weary fairy has
attitude and is governed by a series of rules. The rules are not
mythical or relating to when a fairy can use her magic powers but
are set by her employer who arranges her schedule of children’s
parties and the rules are very practical. A fairy must be punctual.
Do not park too close to the party house. She must never use her
real name or it could destroy the mystique.

Fairy Sprinkles also lives a very real life. She has woken up with a debilitating hangover, her flatmate has moved out and it is impossible to find parking in Bondi for the next party. Her observations about the privileged and self-indulgent lives of the
wealthy families she encounters, holding parties for their spoilt
children are pithy, bitter and wounding. Adding to her woes her
mother leaves numerous messages on her phone, during a party,
that indicate she is having another manic episode.

Lucy Heffernan delivers a powerful performance as a peeved and
irritated woman required to present as a cheerful and magical
fairy, reflecting a role broadly imposed on women. Lucy’s singing
of the songs she has written for this show has a punkish gravity
that matches the dark and cutting observations she makes. It is
impressive that Lucy has written the show and the songs which
she sings, plays guitar and delivers the monologue. She has
excellent support from director Lily Hayman, dramaturgist Tim
Maddock and lighting designer Tyler Fitzpatrick.

PARTY GIRL is an entertaining show. It is playing until May 28th at KXT on Broadway. The
play is part of the TAPING OVER Festival in which Purple
Tape Productions is presenting a series of new work, all created
by female and gender diverse creatives.

Production photography by Clare Hawley.