On a stage laden with puppets, Issy Coombers: Assigned Puppet at Birth treated the audience at The Jade to a gleeful cabaret-style performance that also gave insight to their queer experiences.

Originally titled The Lovers, The Dreamers & Me based on the inspiration for their show, Coombers poked fun at the unnamed entertainment corporation that sent a cease-and-desist letter prompting the change in the opening act, along with a pronoun-inflected take on “Liza with a Z”.

Accompanied by composer Josh Belperio on keyboard, Coombers riffed on a bevy of topics, always with a cheeky smile and infectious enthusiasm.

Coombers knew their local Adelaide audience in a hilarious number disclaiming their hate of the RAA bee, Trevor, leaving everyone howling with laughter. This was followed closely by a love story between two Camry cars that added to the absurdity.

It wasn’t all silly ditties though, Coombers got personal recounting their experiences being misgendered and how they saw themselves in the mirror which added layers of vitriol and tenderness to the set.

When Coombers’ take on “Rainbow Connection” was paired with a story of a defining moment in their queer journey, the room softened and listened intently as Coombers was caught between their nostalgia and the rawness of a truth finally being spoken aloud.

In addition to puppets being the key features of many of the songs, Coombers is no one-trick pony, including tap dancing numbers, crowd work, and a voice that was made for musical theatre.

Coombers closed the night with the same blend of irreverence and honesty that shaped the entire set, leaving the packed room buzzing. It was a thoughtful, funny and deeply personal piece of queer storytelling, delivered with a craft Coombers has gained over their years in the theatre and entertainment world. Their command of the room, joyful movement and strong sense of musicality kept the audience with them at every turn.

Issy Coombers: Puppet Assigned at Birth was a show that balanced silliness with sincerity, a testament to Coombers’ range and unmistakable presence onstage.

Issy Coombers: Puppet Assigned at Birth is on at The Jade until Tuesday, March 17. Get your tickets here.

*****

Five stars