McCarthy’s humourous and cheeky look at what it is to be a woman in today’s society.

From lipstick and lingerie to frustration and cynicism, Lick Sip Suck follows the rituals of five women: from the morning bathroom routine, their obsession with gossip and the antics down the pub, to the hardships of finding their place in the world. These five sassy women share their secrets through dance and theatre showing humorous and idiosyncratic side of womanhood.

Lick Sip Suck is a satirical look into the lives of five women, taking stories and ideas and turning them into dance.

Having only ever heard the phrase Lick , Sip, Suck as referring to a shot of tequila, lemon and salt – which personally brings back some yucky memories – I had no idea what to expect from Canberra choreographer Cadi McCarthy’s new work.

I certainly wasn’t expecting a musical, and when the show began with the women singing behind shower curtains to songs such as ‘Pretty Woman,’ ‘R.E.S.P.E.C.T’ and ‘Push-It’ I could tell I was about to view something with a bit of fun and humour. A contemporary dance piece, McCarthy has created a satirical look into the lives of five women, taking everyday routines and experiences and turning them into dance.

Vanity, ambition, consumption, support, heart-break and sex were all expressed within the choreography, breasts were referred to as “droopy offenders” and the drudgery of the housework was made to look fun. The only thing missing for a real ‘girl power’ statement was Rosie Riviter’s ‘You Can Do It!’ poster.

Despite sounding like a chick flick, Lick, Sip, Suck is related to anyone with a mother, lover, sister or friend. I was very excited to see males in this performance, even though they were only making a cameo appearance. The unique concept of “Change Your Man” made me laugh and it was almost like McCarthy pulled open my head, took everything out of my brain and placed it neatly on the stage. I related to every moment.

City News Review 2005