We were absolutely tickled pink to have the opportunity to review Tash York’s brand spanking new show, Tash York is Drop Red Gorgeous, which celebrates the anniversary of her first decade in cabaret.

We were excited because we adore Tash and her work, but also because we covered her Adelaide Fringe debut show These Things Take Wine back in 2016 with this very cute interview and this review.

Back in 2016, I said of Tash’s debut Fringe show, “Natasha’s comic timing is impeccable, the song lyrics are witty and her ability to engage her audience with her wine-soaked narratives makes her the quintessential performer” and this review won’t be disagreeing with that sentiment, except to say, just like her beloved red wine, Tash York gets better and better with age.

Drop Red Gorgeous pays tributes to badass redheads through parody and original tunes. From Bette Midler to Ed Sheeran and even Julia Gillard, Tash celebrates the best of the best in this tight show with a jam-packed repertoire of tunes.

Accompanied by charismatic pianist and singer Peppy Smears – who is best known for his work in inventing brunch – the comic chemistry between these two is palpable. Is there a Peppy Smears solo show? I am very ready to see that.

A big fan of the interactive element, Tash gets us to scan a QR code to choose which wig she wears, and this choice dictates the songs she will sing and in what style. The rest of the show is an explosion of joy, power, protest and celebration as we honour Tash’s success and the room fills with a unique feeling of empowerment and energy, and a message: if you don’t fit the mould, make your own mould.

Over the past decade, I have seen every single one of Tash’s shows and enjoyed them immensely, but this is her best yet. This is Tash York: the quintessential performer.

Five stars

By Libby Trainor Parker