A few of our favourite Fringe things

These are the shows from week one of the 2016 Adelaide Fringe that InDaily’s reviewers have awarded four and five-star reviews, including Velvet, Frank Woodley, Peter Helliar, Barbu and The Naked Magicians.

Feb 19, 2016, updated Mar 17, 2025
Velvet hula-hoop performer Craig Reid.
Velvet hula-hoop performer Craig Reid.

Velvet ★★★★★
“Head back to a time when disco was the life and breathe of the night; glitter, sequins and glamour ruled.” Review

Echoes ★★★★★
“Hard-hitting, highly topical and a must-see for those who enjoy serious and intelligent theatre.” Review

The Bookbinder ★★★★★
“I’d say it’s the best show I’ve seen in my 17 years of going to Fringe.” Review

Bookbinder-Trick-of-Light-Theatre

Adventure Rooms – The Mad Scientist ★★★★½
“Challenging and cleverly designed, Adventure Rooms: The Mad Scientist will satisfy puzzle lovers of all ages.” Review

The Naked Magicians ★★★★½
“They’re naked, they’re funny, and it’s magic – what more could you want in a Fringe show?” Review

A Night at the Musicals ★★★★½
“Starring Le Gateau Chocolat and Jonny Woo, this show brings glitter, laughs and plenty of surprises.” Review

Frank Woodley – Extra Ordinary ★★★★★
“Woodley’s facial expressions are hysterical, his body elastic, his timing superb, and his observations of human behaviour as sharp and funny as ever.” Review

The Element in the Room ★★★★★
“This ‘musical-comedy-road-movie’ proves that an appreciation of science is vital for everyone.” Review

The Bunker Trilogy ­ – Agamemnon ★★★★★
“The Bunker Trilogy is drama to put on the must-see list.” Review

Theatresports – Clash of the Theatre Titans ★★★★½
“This is improvisation at its very best.” Review

Swing! The Beat that Shook the World ★★★★½
“This great show will reward anyone who appreciates quality music presented by excellent musicians.” Review

Arj Barker – Organic ★★★★
“Barker’s humour is ultimately of the laughing with you rather than at you kind.” Review

Barbu ★★★★
“Wild, hairy, raucous, risqué – and seriously great fun.” Review

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Peter Helliar – One Hot Mess ★★★★
“Peter Helliar may have titled his show One Hot Mess but he gives an hour of stand-up that is anything but messy.” Review

Labels ★★★★
“Labels is a simply told, very personal invitation to life as ‘other’, and an insight into the lasting legacy of prejudice.” Review

The Road That Wasn’t There ★★★★
“Creatively impressive and outstandingly told, working with moods of enchantment and the downright spooky.” Review

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Dr Who’s Midnight ★★★★
“Even members of the audience who have never seen a single Dr Who will be spellbound.” Review

This list does not include one-off shows or those whose Fringe season has now finished.

Read more Fringe stories and reviews here