Fringe review: Mass Hysteria
With a little tightening of the sermon and a few more rehearsals at the altar, this church of cabaret could very well turn into a revival worth preaching about. ★★★
Mass Hysteria makes an entrance worthy of its title. From the moment the theatre doors swing open, an epic arrival immediately pulls the audience into its strange and joyful world. Think Hillsong after a particularly enthusiastic night out: equal parts worship service, cabaret spectacle and theatrical mischief that wastes no time setting the mood and gathering the congregation.
The show leans fully into its church-meets-cabaret concept, delivering a playful and irreverent take on modern spirituality. There are plenty of unexpected moments scattered throughout, including a sacred cameo from the self-help bible Let Them which lands like a knowing wink from the pulpit. The humour has a cheeky edge without ever feeling preachy and, importantly, you don’t need a lifetime of Sunday services under your belt to enjoy the ride. Whether you’re lapsed, practising or just here for the theatrical communion, there’s enough to keep the pews entertained.
Vocally, the cast are operating at a higher register. Meg Hickey’s voice is nothing short of breathtaking, filling the room with a power that could raise the roof or at least shake a few stained-glass windows. Paired with the tones of Iva Rosebud and the unmistakable vocal presence of Skank Sinatra, several musical moments feel genuinely rousing. When these voices come together, the show briefly ascends to something close to a full theatrical hallelujah.
That said, this is clearly a new show still finding its rhythm. A few choreography moments slip slightly out of sync, and some staging choices (particularly sequences performed low to the ground with chair work) aren’t visible from all corners of the room. They’re small issues, but enough to momentarily interrupt the otherwise smooth flow of the service. Still, the spirit of the piece captures what late night Fringe does best: quirky, bold ideas delivered with a healthy dose of chaos and creativity. The show already has a strong liturgical backbone; a few New Testament updates should tighten the pacing and ensure every moment hits like a well-timed sermon, rather than drifting into the wilderness.
The finale receives a welcome jolt of energy thanks to Tash York, whose entrance look and gleeful stage antics delight the room in a lively finish that lifts the energy of the congregation and ends the evening on a high note.
Mass Hysteria is playing at BankSA Theatre at Gluttony from March 13 – 15
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