Side Effect, a co-production between MKA Theatre and Cradle Productions, is the perfect example of why I love fringe theatre. It’s messy, it’s thought provoking, it’s unapologetic, it’s sexy, it’s fringe.

First showing up in Brisbane, Side Effect’s four emerging writers (Eloise Maree, Daniel Evans, Maxine Mellor and Daniel Malaney) delve into the dark seedy side of nightlife in a big city. From a meth addict on his way home to a story of infatuation, from bitchy teenage girls (who make me glad I’m not in high school in this age of digital media) to a vomit-inducing hookup behind a club, these stories, as pointed out on MKA’s website, are stories about young love, young lust, and young lurid fantasies. Performed in a laneway behind the Fringe Hub’s club, Tobias Manderson-Galvin has pulled together a sensational cast to bring these stories to life. In particular, Benjamin Jackson as Damo is electrifying and not afraid to get right up in the faces of the audience, while Kerith Manderson-Galvin is always riveting to watch. The final piece, with its gold bikinis, masks, toy horses and pool of jelly, is wonderfully over-the-top and a great way to cap off the night.

This is not a show for the faint-hearted. Or for those who don’t like their personal space being invaded. Or for those who like ‘safe’ theatre. It is challenging, funny, dirty, outrageous and not afraid to have fun. And that is how I like my theatre.