# Little Boxes

**Review** — On Your Markus  
**Rating:** 5 out of 5  
**Event:** Little Boxes  
**Published:** 4 March 2025  
**Author:** Markus Hamence  
**Source:** https://onyourmarkus.au/reviews/little-boxes/

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*Review by ****[Markus Hamence](/markus-hamence/)**** – Performance date: Tuesday 04 March 2025, Gluttony, Adelaide, South Australia*

**There’s something truly special about one-person shows, and when you have a performer as seasoned, charismatic and loveable as Joann Condon, you know you’re in for a treat. Best known for her role in *****Little Britain***** as Fat Pat, Condon takes centre stage in *****Little Boxes*****, a deeply personal and engaging solo performance that’s making tremendous waves at the 2025 Adelaide Fringe Festival. With a perfect blend of humour, heart, and raw honesty, this show invites audiences on a journey through the metaphorical ‘boxes’ that have shaped her life that truly does not differ to most of us humans. It is easy to connect.**

![Performer seated on wooden boxes with arms outstretched against a dark stage background.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/20548/user_crop_production_image_1_1200_x_600.jpg)

### **Breaking Out of Life’s Boxes**

At its core, *Little Boxes* is about the labels, expectations, and constraints that society – and often ourselves – place upon us. Whether it’s childhood ambitions, industry stereotypes, or the roles we’re expected to play in adulthood, Condon unpacks these ideas with wit and poignancy. She takes us through the struggles of being an actor, a mother, a woman, and a human navigating a world that loves to pigeonhole people. Did I have a tear or two? Yes (maybe more, but don’t judge me).

The structure of the show is simple yet powerful. Condon moves seamlessly between anecdotes, reflections, and sharp comedic observations, making the performance feel like an intimate conversation rather than a scripted play. Her ability to shift between laugh-out-loud moments and deeply touching and heart-breaking revelations keeps us, the audience, captivated from start to finish.

### **A Performance with Heart and Humor**

Condon’s comedic timing is impeccable – no surprise given her background in comedy. But what really makes *Little Boxes* stand out is her vulnerability. She doesn’t shy away from the struggles and disappointments she has faced, which makes her triumphs all the more uplifting. Reclaiming the word FAT as not a ‘negative’, from one moment, you’re laughing at her tales of navigating the entertainment industry, and the next, you’re wiping away a tear as she shares a personal loss or a moment of self-doubt.

Her storytelling is immersive, painting vivid pictures with her words, gestures, and expressions. The set is minimal, allowing the focus to remain entirely on her and the stories she tells. This simplicity works in the show’s favor – it’s all about connection, and Condon achieves that effortlessly.

![Performer gestures expressively surrounded by cardboard boxes against a blue backdrop during a theatre production.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/20549/user_crop_production_image_2_1200_x_600.jpg)

### **Audience Reactions & Critical Praise**

Since its debut, *Little Boxes* has garnered rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. **Theatre and Tonic** described it as “a show with such profound heart that I think all need to see it,” while **LondonTheatre1** praised Condon’s ability to balance comedy and emotion so effectively.

At the **Adelaide Fringe**, where audiences are treated to a smorgasbord of performances ranging from wild and experimental to deeply personal, *Little Boxes* stands out as an authentic and heartfelt experience. Those who attended opening night have described it as “deeply moving,” “brilliantly funny,” and “unexpectedly emotional.” And I agree – I have fell in love, with the upmost respect, for this artist and human.

### **Where & When to See It**

If you’re lucky enough to be in Adelaide, *Little Boxes* is running at **The Lark in Gluttony – Rymill Park** from **March 4th to March 10th**, with performances kicking off at **7:20 PM** each night. Tickets range from **$27 to $32**, with discounts available for certain groups.

![Three performers stand together on an illuminated park lawn at night during an outdoor festival event.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/repaired/7c11c348-268e-4fbf-812b-8b7cd62692d1/IMG_6410.jpg)

*Geoff Woodberry (Producer of On Your Markus), Joann Condon and Markus Hamence*

### **Final Verdict**

If you’re looking for a show that will **make you laugh, reflect, and maybe even shed a tear**, *Little Boxes* is an absolute bonified must-see at this year’s** 2025** **Adelaide Fringe Festival**. **Joann Condon delivers a an exceptional masterclass in brilliant storytelling**, proving that sometimes the most powerful performances don’t need elaborate sets or special effects – just a compelling story, a talented performer, a good human and an audience ready to listen.

Don’t miss it! 🎭✨

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

**[Ticket link!](https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/little-boxes-af2025)**

[Watch on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/embed/J9iOSFSE-iQ)

![Four performers stand together indoors during a scene from Little Boxes theatre production.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/20550/Screenshot-2021-12-14-at-11.32.16-am-1.webp)

*Joann Condon in Little Britain*