Journey through literary history with one-woman show ‘The Portable Dorothy Parker’ at Fringe

Prepare to be whisked away to the heart of New York City in 1943 at this year’s Fringe, as Grove Productions, Fringe Management LLC, and Adelaide’s own Joanne Hartstone present the Australian premiere of the critically acclaimed U.S. production, The Portable Dorothy Parker, from February 13th to March 17th at The Arch, Holden Street Theatres, Hindmarsh.

Step into the world of Dorothy Parker, a literary icon known for her sharp wit and poignant prose. This one-woman show, set in a New York City hotel apartment, stars the extraordinary Margot Avery as Dorothy Parker, who delivers a performance that has been hailed as “riveting, hilarious…entirely believable and incredibly entertaining” by the British Theatre Guide.

As Parker prepares for the publication of a new collection of her poems and short stories, audiences will be treated to a journey through her tumultuous life, including her famous friendships with literary giants like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald, her foundational role at The New Yorker, and her experiences at the legendary Algonquin Round Table.

The Portable Dorothy Parker is a labour of love by playwright Annie Lux, director Lee Costello, and actress Margot Avery, who have brought Parker’s story to life with precision and passion. Having enchanted audiences across the UK and the US with notable performances at the Edinburgh Fringe and the Phoenix Arts Club in London, this show now promises to captivate Adelaide with its blend of humour, history, and heartache.

This show is a must-see for anyone who loves literature and history or simply enjoys a well-crafted, keenly directed, and subtly performed piece that, as Front Row Center (NYC) praises, “is a pleasure to breathe in.” Whether you’re a die-hard Dorothy Parker fan or just discovering her genius, this play offers a unique insight into the life of one of the most influential literary figures of the 20th century.

Don’t miss your chance to dive into the roaring days of Prohibition in New York, 1930s Hollywood, and the early years of World War II through the eyes of Dorothy Parker. The Portable Dorothy Parker is a celebration of a woman who was ahead of her time and whose words continue to resonate with audiences today.

Tickets are on sale now for this limited engagement. Secure your seat and experience the extraordinary world of Dorothy Parker, brought to life in a way only theatre can provide.

What: The Portable Dorothy Parker.
Where: The Arch at Holden Street Theatres.
When: Tue, 13 February – Sun, 17 March.
For tickets and further info, click here.