Midsumma: Georgia with a G

For someone who has spent her life having to say “Karla with a K”, I understand Georgia’s frustration with having to constantly spell out her name (especially since I also happen to know not one but two Jorjas with a J). Banal annoyances aside, the title of this show gives nothing away in terms of how much fun it is.

In her home town, Georgia Darcy is known as the singing shopper. And seeing her on stage, it’s hard to believe that this confident performer had a late epiphany at 40 realising there was more to life than the corporate arena. Georgia is a natural storyteller and, watching her perform, it’s obvious just how much she’s enjoying her creative renaissance. Her affable and generous presence makes her simply a joy to watch.

Georgia weaves delightful tales about her life with popular cabaret tunes. I say delightful because, even when Georgia reveals painful episodes such as self-harming and an eating disorder, there’s always humour and a sense of triumph underpinning the revelation. Her rendition of Edith Piaf’s “La Vie en Rose” as an ode to her schoolgirl crush on a French school teacher is truly mesmerising.

Look this show isn’t without its flaws. The narrative is a bit disjointed and songs aren’t always delivered on pitch. But its flaws are easily forgiven because the show is genuinely funny and has a gigantic heart. The latter is demonstrated when Georgia tells us that when her girlfriend, Louise, proposed to her, Louise promised she would always take responsibility for her own happiness. Just about the best relationship vows I think I’ve ever heard. Cementing a creative partnership, Louise also joins Georgia on stage in a role as Cecile the French maid. Louise is an absolute natural at slap stick comedy and is a wonderful accompaniment to this show.