Review: Anita Wigl’it Funny Gurl at Perth Cultural Centre

Anita Wigl’it Funny Gurl at The Parlour @ Perth Cultural Centre
Friday, January 20, 2023

9/10

Surprisingly vulnerable, endearingly heartfelt, with the perfect amount of sass and sparkle; Anita Wigl’it hits the Fringe nail on the head with Funny Gurl!

Yes you get lip syncs, yes you get fun outfits, quirky dance moves, and saucy innuendos. Tick, check, check plus.

But the best part of Funny Gurl is how the lovely Ms Wigl’it invites you into her life.

Bringing back some of our own childhood memories of slideshow nights, Anita shared select photos from her youth, family photos, and some fantastic shots from her early years as a drag performer.

Each photo shared comes with a story to tell. Some of these tales are funny, some are touching, some are filthy, most are all of the above.

Anita pairs each story with a fitting performance, weaving the tale of her life the best way a drag queen can; through the art of a dang fine lip sync. Even Anita’s lip syncs are unique; she has the uncanny ability to thoroughly endear herself to you, while she hilariously scoots and shimmies her way around the Fringe tent, often stopping for a quick head in crotch/crotch in face moment with an unsuspecting crowd member.

Yet the most surprising part of Anita Wigli’ts performance was how personable it all felt. When you see a drag Queen with a face full of makeup, absolutely beaten for the gods, you expect their invisible mask will be on as well, that you will only see the character they wish to show. But Anita Wigl’it allows her vulnerability to shine through that mask. She brings you into her world, into her life, she says “yes this is me.”

No wonder she named her show Funny Gurl, Ms Streisand would approve; and don’t you dare rain on her parade!

Anita Wigl’it, Funny Girl is on at The Parlour at Perth Cultural Centre as part of Fringe World 2023 until Sunday, February 5.

LIANA KELLY