Reviews for In Concert
“She [Sarah Ward] was already creating work so astounding that it was hard for anyone in the opening night audience of her lastest Midsumma show to even fathom that the bar could be raised much higher… but she did.”
“From the moment you walk into the theatre space, you’re transported elsewhere. Just where it is is hard to say, but it sits somewhere between a 30’s jazz cabaret club, and somewhere in a dreamscape sky…With a triumphant announcement, Yana is welcomed onto the stage, and from the moment she appears, you will be putty in her hands, hers for the picking, utterly captivated and unable to blink. Her first haunting notes of Diva that hint at what’s to come… A truly awesome world standard cabaret show, coupled with side splitting dark, intelligent and well written and timed comedy.”
Read the full review by Travis de Jonk, SameSame.com.au
“DON’T I look smokin’?” Yana Alana (Sarah Ward) is holding the audience spellbound as she indulges in a bout of preening between belting out numbers.”
“Resplendent in feathers, sequins and frock, this big, busty woman plays with the egotistical image of a rock star – first dismissing it, then embracing it – and the audience plays along. As she treats us with some strutting tough love, I’m for some reason reminded of Dame Edna Everage’s take-no-prisoners approach on stage. But the Dame can’t sing, and Yana certainly can.”
Read the full review by Tim Richards, The Age newspaper.
Reviews for Bite Me
“I loved everything about this show.”
“The crude content, the in-your-face attitude, the catchy tunes, the over-the-top delivery, the circus tricks, the finale, the laughter, the tears, the sweat, the make-up, the costumes, the banter.”
Read the full review by Rebekka Salmi, Australian Stage Online.
“Her poetry is often bad and even more frequently hilarious.”
“The best of it is overtly political, brilliantly delivered stand-up. But stand-up comedy is only a minor part of the show. Backed by her ill-used band, the Paranas, Yana’s poetry vaults into cabaret. Expect everything from self-absorbed soul numbers to jazzified paeans to the pussy.”
Read the full review by Cameron Woodhead, The Age newspaper.
“Enter the realm of Yana Alana. A self assured, righteous, demurely dressed, potty-mouthed feminist.”
“And one thinks that is only the beginning. Sarah Ward has quite simply created a monster – and a hilarious one at that. Yana Alana’s best attributes are all of them.”
Read the full review by Nikki Thomas, Australian Stage Online.
Quotes
“Seductively dark and delicious cabaret with a lot of bark, plenty of bite, and a mound of laughs.” Andrew Finegan, Arts Hub
“This is excellent cabaret in every sense. Yana Alana and the Paranas are a hit.” Rita Dimasi, ArtsHub
“Yana Alana is the fabulous character creation of Sarah Ward (Sista She) that’s a cross between Snow White on steroids and a dominatrix. The humour is side-splittingly funny, often delivered through poetry and song. It’s got bite and is ever so naughty. You haven’t lived till you’ve seen one of Yana’s shows.” SameSame.com.au
“Tha Paranas make the Bad Seeds look like Sunny Boys.” Andrew Shaw, MCV
“She is Australia’s Dita Von Teese only with even more aggression and attitude. She’s made feminism fun.’ Kate Gorden, MCV
“Alana’s backing band, The Paranas, are nothing short of divine – they’re an extremely talented and consummate outfit…
Sarah has natural comedic ability, her writing and timing are impeccable’” Karla Dondio, Aussie Theatre Reviews
“The band were a tight unit and provided impressive accompaniment.” Colin Flaherty, Groggy Squirrel
“Ward has an incredible vocal range.” Aussie Theatre Reviews
