REVIEW: My Precious! Sydney Fringe Festival

One show to rule them all, one show to find them, one show to  bring them all, and in the Factory Theatre bind them. That show, my  friends, is My Precious, Morgan Palmer’s gloriously unhinged,  brilliantly niche fever dream of Smeagol and Gollum in a post-Ring  world. 

From the very first note, accompanied by a wizard-hatted pianist  affectionately known as “Gandalf the Red” thanks to his fiery beard,  the audience is transported to Middle-earth by way of Aussie  politics, Broadway bangers, and jokes so cheeky you’ll clutch your  pearls like they’re mithril. 

Palmer, a natural comedian with the physicality of a goblin ballerina  and the pipes of a Broadway veteran, delivers a performance that is  nothing short of precious. The way he flits between Smeagol and  Gollum is smoother than Legolas sliding down an Oliphaunt’s trunk,  with each half of the character constantly bickering, battling, and  belting their way through life after ring obsession (and no, not the  kind of ring you’re thinking of). 

Highlights? Where do we begin, my hobbitses? There is an entire  “Music and the Mirror” dance break where Smeagol sheds his self doubt (and, well, most of his clothes) and takes a glorious shot at fame.

There are quips so fast you get whiplash, political digs  sharper than Sting, and moments so ridiculous you’ll be laughing  louder than Gimli in a drinking contest. 

And let us take a moment for the sheer audacity. Palmer struts  across the stage in little more than a loincloth and a bald cap,  leaving it ALL out there, body and soul. The commitment. The  

charisma. The chutzpah. It is magnetic, electric, and utterly fearless.  Beneath the goblin squeaks and snarls, Palmer’s voice is the true  treasure. Yes, Gollum sings, and sings well.

The Sydney season has come to a close, and audiences are  already clamoring for more. If this show tours, you would be madder  than Denethor on a bonfire to miss it. My Precious is not just a  parody. It is a riot, a spectacle, and in the end a surprisingly  touching reminder that even goblins need connection. You will leave  grinning like Sam spotting second breakfast. 

Five rings out of five.

The season of My Precious! Has closed but you can keep up with their instagram here