Speakeasy at Fringe fest

Flashes of fringe, cocktails hidden in teacups and swinging jazz will see Bunbury Fringe guests transported to the roaring 20s at the Speakeasy Night on February 7.

The hotsy-totsy affair at the Fringe Hub will feature a line-up of South West artists, each with their own unique flair.

Bunbury singer-songwriter Zairyn will set the mood with her soulful voice, before the charming, cheeky and charismatic duo Mr and Mrs Smith take over the stage with a collection of sultry motown and classy jazz.

David Rastrick’s Jazztrix Quintet will bring the house down with their repertoire of jazz classics and innovative original compositions, playing styles such as Latin and swing, jazz-reggae, soul-jazz and tunes for dancing.

Fringe artistic director Jo O’Dea said jazz had always been a part of Fringe, but the prohibition-themed event would take it to the next level. “Everybody loves the thought of the gangster era, the ’20s and ’30s, so we have programmed three really cool acts,” she said.

“We have worked really hard on making sure the Speakeasy Night was all South West musicians, because there are not a lot of opportunities for jazz musicians to perform in the South West.

“The whole place will be decked out as a speakeasy, so the drinks will be served in teacups and we will pretend it is prohibition.”

Although people will spend their clams on tickets, a secret password will be required to enter the venue.

“It will be a really great experience, you will be able to immerse yourself in the ’20s and ’30s,” she said.

While visitors are encouraged to dress in their 1920s best, with a prize to be awarded to best-dressed, costumes were not compulsory.

Festival tickets are now on sale at bunburyfringe.com.