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She’s snarky, magical and musical. She’s Fairy Sprinkles! Lucy Heffernan’s one-woman show Party Girl is the rock n’ roll monologue to end all kids’ birthday parties.
It’s a day in the life of a party fairy and daughter caring for a mum struggling to cope with mental illness. Rapidly switching from helping three years olds cut their cake to committing her mother to hospital (again) it’s no surprise that Fairy Sprinkles is a little overwhelmed and prone to a few too many drinks and a questionable hook-up or two as she navigates the anger and frustration of her real life and love for her fairy persona.
This story offers a complex, raw, and whimsical interpretation of femininity through Heffernan’s job as a party fairy and her relationship with her mother. Prone to breaking the fourth wall, Sprinkles invites us into share in her quarter-life crisis through song, party hats and tears, and you’ll be glad you came along for the ride.
“In amongst the chaos of life, find the magic and keep the faith,” said Heffernan on the message of Party Girl. “In people and in yourself.”
Heffernan and director Lily Hayman’s conscious juxtaposition of light and darkness in the costuming, lighting, pacing, set design and music elevate the story and allows Heffernan to fully lean into its extremes, from explaining that fairies don’t poop to talking her mother off a literal ledge, without giving the audience whiplash. It’s a delicate balancing act, and this duo nails the tightrope walk.
There’s just something innately funny in a woman unapologetically wearing a tiara and tutu with a black punk-rock singlet and singing sharp, often bleak lyrics that interchange fairy lore and family tragedy in an angry, deadpan tone. Fairy Sprinkles wants to be the picture of feminine perfection she gives to children but despairs at life outside of her fairy wings. Her anger is dominant but so is her vulnerability, coming through when a child sticks by her side for their whole party or her mother has an unexpected moment of lucidity, and you hope that Fairy Sprinkles’ tomorrow will be a whole lot better than today and yesterday.
Purchase your ticket to Party Girl here.
Sparkling Rosé | Wine Pairing
It’s light, fresh and pink! I can see Fairy Sprinkles and all the parents getting around it with absolutely no hesitation.
My Pick: Hidden Sea Wines Rosé Spritz NV, Limestone Coast, SA
The peppiest sparkling Rosé I’ve enjoyed in a long time, lush with strawberries and cream flavours and a satisfyingly dry finish.
Party Girl, Purple Tape Productions | Tasting Notes
| Aussie Season | 24 to 28 May, KXT on Broadway, Purple Tape Productions |
| Ticket $ | $35-45 |
| Writer | Lucy Heffernan |
| Director | Lily Hayman |
| Theatre Type & Genre | Muscical, one woman show |
| See it if you like | Courtney Barnett, Nat’s What I Reckon |
| Wine Pairing | Sparkling Rosé |
| Criteria for Wine Pairing | balanced fruit and acidity |
Toasting Aussie Theatre 