Fringe Festival Review: Hot Pink BitsReview by Alison Little
Hot Pink Bits – Penny Ashton
Where: Bat’s Theatre
When: Feb 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th - 8:00pm
Duration: approx 1 hour
Price: Full $16 Concession $13 Addict $10
We all have ‘em , and people spend an awful lot of time thinking about ‘em - Hot Pink Bits! Penny Ashton’s lively show
is an energetic hurtle through 7,5000 years of sex-obsessed human social evolution, from Palaeolithic stone idolatry
through to Internet dominatri and 0900 relationships.
Based on an awful lot of real-life stories, probably because real-life is so much more ridiculous than fiction can
generally devise, Hot Pink Bits is cheerfully irreligious, and delightfully disrespectful of politicians, celebrities
and many other desperate wannabes. The full spectrum of perversion is delicately sampled, with a wit that is sharp
without ever being cruel.
The audience was happy to be shamelessly manipulated, joining in a general knowledge quiz for prizes, offering up one
lucky punter to act in a homage to ‘70s porn, and another to bump and grind, as well as participating en-mass in a
stirring group orgasm.
Ms Ashton’s enthusiasm and comedic competency deliver all that is promised, including the splendid corset which renders
her remarkable chest remarkably chesty. This spectacularly uplifting garment makes the singing all the more impressive,
and her version of My Favourite Things … well, Mary Popins it isn’t. In a very good way.
Opening night was deservedly sold out, and booking is recommended. This is a great evening out, equally fun for grownup
boys or girls, whether desperate and dateless or durably coupled. You might even learn something about your own or your
friends’ own Hot Pink Bits.
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