Millicent Sarre is Too Tired to Smash (Patriarchy) Spoiler-Free Review

Millicent Sarre is Too Tired to Smash (Patriarchy) - 10 out of 10
The Kingfisher @ Gluttony, Rymill Park
TICKETS: Millicent Sarre is Too Tired To Smash (Patriarchy) | Adelaide Fringe

Millicent Sarre returns to the Adelaide Fringe with a new show that rounds out her triptych of feminist cabaret. This reviewer has had the pleasure of seeing the previous instalments, Friendly Feminism for the Mild Mannered and Millicent Sarre is Opinionated – this final (one hopes not!) instalment lives up to the high bar they set.

As the show’s title suggests, Millicent Sarre is tired. Tired of the atrocities, tired of the patriarchy, and tired of not living up to her own exceptionally high standards. While she might be burnt out from having to retread issues she’s been fighting against with just her wit and her original songs since 2020, her skill and passion haven't lost an ounce of their vigour.

Audiences expect a lot from award-winning artists, and Millicent delivers. A less-informed observer (and let’s be honest, he’s probably a man) might assume there is nothing left to say on the subject – that this is merely a rehash. But Sarre consistently finds fertile ground for her "schtick" because, unfortunately, the patriarchy remains committed to its own bit.

Taking us on a journey through the exhaustion of failing to live up to her own “higher self,” Millicent explores the guilt of becoming numb to global atrocities and the hilarious irony of "the algorithm" delivering on-stage guitarist (and off-stage partner) Cameron Nicholls into her life. She tackles the nuance of cosmetic surgery through a class-conscious lens, proving that her intellect is as sharp as her songwriting.

By the time she shares her final nugget of wisdom, the audience is transformed. We arrived feeling the weight of the world, but we left feeling revitalised and ready to take it on again. Millicent Sarre’s moving voice, her flawless command of the written word, and her ability to deliver a rapid-fire skewering make this an absolute must-see.

–Scott