On Stage: Ally Morgan’s If You’re Hearing This

The problems of the world and young people are humorously explored in Ally Morgan’s one woman show If You’re Hearing This.

Playing at the Motley Bauhaus as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, the 60-minute show showcases Morgan’s exceptional musical, acting and writing skills.

Believing earth is about to be destroyed Morgan’s character builds a home-made rocket and space suit (with the help of Chat GPT) and escapes to the heavens. Amongst her essential supplies are English breakfast tea bags and a DVD of Pride and Prejudice.

From her spaceship she starts a radio broadcast (and not a podcast as she is at pains to point out) hoping that someone else has also escaped earth and is listening to her.

Eventually she does get a call not from a human but from a creature who insists they are not an alien given it’s an offensive term!

Through conversations with her `new friend’, who has some special powers, and her original songs played as part of her radio program, Morgan explores the challenges faced by a 30–something woman in Australia.

These challenges include the behaviour of those with influence including politicians and big business, the difficulty of home ownership and having children.

The impact of social media and new technology also get the `Morgan treatment’ which ranges from periods of pessimism to a more optimistic outlook.

Supporting her humorous and often ironic and heartfelt words and songs, played on several musical instruments including different guitars and a keyboard, are clever visuals displayed on a video screen.

Together with the content, the other joy of If You’re Hearing This is watching Morgan in action. Her bubbly personality and a delivery which makes you feel she is talking directly to you (which she does as patrons enter the theatre) instantly ensures a connection and most importantly she seems to be enjoying the show as much as her audience is.

If You’re Hearing This is playing at the Motley Bauhaus Theatrette, 118 Elgin Street, Carlton until Sunday April 19. Visit the Melbourne International Comedy Festival website for more information and tickets.

Jenny Burns attended a performance of If You’re Hearing This as a guest of the show.

*Photo credit: Jennifer Forward-Hayter.