Melbourne Fringe: Alice Tovey, Malice

Alice Tovey: Malice is one of the highlights of the Fringe Festival so far.

Is Malice really about malice or is it just a pun on Alice’s name? Are carefully-aimed criticisms of society alongside songs about Karl Stefanovic really malicious? No, they are just damn funny. Tovey’s songs are all originals and in the intimate Son of Loft space, you feel the full force of her magnificent voice. She’s accompanied by Ned Dixon on keyboard and his work is really striking as well. This pair play well against each other and keep the audience thrilled and enthralled.

I was blown away by each and every song and anecdote. Tovey writes clever lyrics and delivers them all with conviction and power.

You want to hear about her high school boyfriend who thinks feminism is to people as sheep are to the RSPCA. You want to hear her thoughts on religion and the Holy Prepuce. You want to hear about her unashamed feminism. And because it’s all so entertaining, you should take you friends along – because they want to hear them, too.

Tovey is an incredible talent, an artist to keep an eye on in a show not-to-be-missed.