Aussie comedian and recovering musical theatre kid, Michelle Brasier combines shaggy-dog tales and musical comedy in an entertaining hour. Starting the show amongst the crowd, soliciting audience members’ names, Brasier then rushes on stage (‘oh shit, it’s starting!’) to launch into an opening number, clicking her fingers as she announces: ‘Blackout. Jazz’. 

We soon discover that Brasier is trying to hunt down her namesake, after a mysterious encounter involving $11.50 left in an envelope. However, this tale, though intriguing, is too flimsy to be the show’s full focus. As a result, Brasier moves through a wide range of subject matter in a somewhat disjointed manner. Performing with her partner Tim on guitar, Brasier’s musical interludes are the glue that keeps it all together. Her songs, with bizarre lines such as ‘I was born with too much skin’ combine with her impressive singing voice are a joy to behold. However, as she says herself, it’s unclear what the main subject is here, as there’s ’too much plot’ in her life. This lack of focus leaves Legacy feeling a little thin, yet Brasier’s non-stop energy and powerful voice still keep the audience entertained throughout. 

Michelle Brasier: Legacy, Gilded Balloon Patter House, until 26 August, 7pm; main picture: Nick Robertson.