A red couch, square table, and two chairs make up the set in The Arch theatre.

Greg Fleet greets the audience before the show begins, encouraging it to play along with the more interactive moments of the production.

Written by Fleet, A Star is Torn is semi-autobiographical, mirroring his own troubles with addiction, as detailed in his memoir. This show offers an alternative ending to his story.

The narrative follows alcoholic comedian Matt Francis, once a great in the industry but who has fallen from grace. Up-and-coming comedian Amira Shah tries to help pick Francis up from the low points of his career and personal life.

Comedian Krutika Harale appears as Shah and sets the ball rolling with a bit of stand-up comedy. It is engaging and witty, making it obvious that she is a comic off the stage, too.

Unlike the similarly named film, the two leads do not fall in love, but share a friendship of wits. Shah is disappointed multiple times throughout the story as Francis’s irredeemable behaviour loses work for them both. He even loses his home.

Harale is amusing as Shah, handling the fast-paced back-and-forth of the comedic hits well. Despite the darker underlying story, this show is undoubtedly a comedy and it generates laughter throughout.

Fleet and Harale enter the audience at many points to create a sense of distance between the characters, particularly with phone calls. Whether it adds a sense of immersion to the show is unclear.

Francis loses support from his manager as alcohol becomes too great a foe for him to beat. The audience is told of his traumatic background, and this could have been presented in a better way, although it is a very brave and humble performance from Fleet. As his manager, award-winning actor Brant Eustice demonstrates with cool skill the unfunny reality of comedy as a business.

Oddly, the emotional points in A Star is Torn fall short, with the balance of comedy and seriousness leaving the audience unprepared for the conclusion. Despite its shortcomings, it presents a funny and tragic cautionary tale for those who allow their indulgences to overcome their life.

A Star is Torn is playing at Holden Street Theatres until March 18.

Read more 2023 Adelaide Fringe stories and reviews on InReview here.

Shannon Pearce is the third recipient of the Helpmann Academy InReview Mentorship. She is working with experienced writers Graham Strahle and Samela Harris to write a series of articles for publication in InReview.