Combining the Dickensian backdrop of Oliver Twist with the abandonment issues and canine camaraderie of Annie, Screaming Chicken Theatrical Societys latest burlesque romp Oliver Fannie is not for the faint of heart. Described as a light-hearted look at sexuality, repression and prostitution, the lowbrow strip-sical is the hotly anticipated follow-up to last years retro beach blanket send-up Terror at Rock Out Beach and features 14 song and dance parodies including Boobs Glorious Boobs and family favourite Its a Hard C*** Life. Front and centre is actress Karly Palmer, who played the bad-ass leader of the Bang Gang in Terror at Rock Out Beach and can be seen around town performing with the weird and wonderful Spectral Theatre Society and as a cast member of the improvised live soap opera Sin Peaks at the Waldorf Hotel. Palmer talked to the Courier about playing the lead in Oliver Fannie, coming to terms with onstage jiggling and her resemblance to Al Bundy.
1. Most burlesque performers are known by their stage name. Why arent you going by your burlesque name Bitsy Bangherang for this performance?
I am better known as Karly Palmer. I recently came up with Bitsy and it still feels strange to refer to myself solely as that. Aside from burlesque, I am also an actress, and I wanted to keep my name attached to the Oliver Fannie project. So basically, when Im feeling down and I google my name, I get more results.
2. Did you consider any other burlesque names?
I performed one show as Ruby Ruckus, but I felt in the end it just didnt suit me.
3. In Oliver Fannie, you play a young girl who feels trapped at home and, driven by her sense of adventure, runs away and finds herself on Sleazy Street where her big heart gets her in trouble. How much can you relate to the storyline having moved to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»from Thunder Bay, Ontario in 2009?
There are things I can definitely relate to, like going after a dream no matter how impossible it may seem. When I left home, I knew I was about to embark on a fantastic adventure. I also feel a similarity between Oliver Fannie and her fear of her parents expectations. When I did my first burlesque show, I fell in love with it, and I was afraid that my parents would disapprove. When I finally told them, they approved well, they didnt not approve.
4. Being from Ontario, whats your opinion on the Toronto Maple Leafs?
I dont really give a puck.
5. Whats the biggest difference in preparing for your role as Oliver Fannie compared to playing a gang leader in Terror at Rock Out Beach?
Oliver Fannie is a really intense role. Theres singing, dancing, stripping and acting all at once. I had to train a little with a vocal coach, start exercising (well I considered learning the dances as exercise), and I really had to buckle down and focus on my body and all the requirements this show is asking of it. I think Ive been holding up pretty well. Mentally, I really had to express a childlike vulnerability I rarely let others see. Last year I was just a crazy tough chick, which I wish I was, but the truth is I am really a lot more naïve like Oliver Fannie. They actually had to explain jokes in the script to me.
6. Which role required you to perform more in a state of undress?
The name says it all, Oliver Fannie! Compared to the last Screaming Chicken production, the numbers in this show have literally tripled. I feel that as the show goes on, I keep getting more and more into a state of undress until the show concludes with my debut solo striptease. Or shall I say Oliver Fannies striptease.
7. What kind of effect does the amount of clothes you wear have on your acting?
Last year was my first experience with that challenge, and it was difficult at first, but then I realized comically it worked towards the scene. I felt if theyre gonna jiggle, then just jiggle the heck out of them. This year I am facing so many new challenges I havent had the time to even think about that. Also, it really depends on the story and the reasoning behind the removal of clothes that makes it easier or difficult.
8. What attracted you to burlesque?
The mass amounts of sparklesI love shiny things. But seriously, the theatrical aspect of it all. I dont know if I would have done burlesque if it didnt have that artistic creative side, and the good thing is thats what its all about. Its beautiful and elegant and it makes me a happy girl.
9. What do you do to pay the bills?
Currently I am an unmarried housewife living in sin, but prior to this I sold shoes. Think Al Bundy. So Im probably gonna be on the job hunt sooner than later or go back to selling shoes, and I am a great employeewink wink, nudge nudge.
10. Why should people come out and see Oliver Fannie?
Oliver Fannie is an unforgettable show that will take you to the past and around the world. Where else can you see horny pirates, sexy courtesans, an ever faithful dog-boy, and 14 iconic musical numbers from your childhood transformed into a light and fluffy erotic spectacular.
Oliver Fannie runs Aug. 23 to 26 and Aug. 29 to Sept. 1 at Granville Islands Waterfront Theatre.
Twitter: @MidlifeMan1
