Yana Alana is a feisty, short-fused feminist who has a penchant for the c-word, and a narcissistic personality disorder. But let’s hope she’s not booking in for therapy any time soon because her egocentricities and schlock poetry make Bite Me Harder a riotous night.

Admittedly, it took me a little while to ease into the show as the beginning lacked structure. As time progressed, the show hit its stride with the affectation of tension between Yana and her support act, The Town Bikes. This fleshed out the empty spaces between the poetry and songs and provided the show with framework. There’s even a scrag fight which is nothing short of uproarious.

Yana Alana is created by Sarah Ward. Sarah has natural comedic ability which means her writing and timing are impeccable. I imagine her poems in the hands of a less talented performer would be something like sucking on a lemon. Her poetic highlights include ‘Young Liberals’, ‘I don’t want to be an Australian celebrity’ and ‘Cunt’.

Ward has an incredible vocal range. The songs suffer occasionally when the character voice of Alana flattens the lower tones, but when Sarah relaxes into her natural voice, it really is quite exquisite. Her Mariah Carey-esque prelude to ‘I Don’t Want To Be An Australian Celebrity’ is not only hilarious but highlights her true vocal talents.

Alana’s backing band are The Paranas. Ania Reynolds (keys), Bec Matthews (percussion) and Frances Evans (double bass) are nothing short of divine. They’re an extremely talented and consummate outfit whose subjugation to Alana’s overblown personality works a treat. One of the highlights of the evening is Matthews truly inspiring percussion playing in a hoist, two metres off the ground.

The Town Bikes (dance duo Gabi Barton and Carla Yamine) juxtapose Alana’s vocal antics with physical humour. The girls are exuberant and seemed to be genuinely enjoying themselves. Their slapstick is often clever and funny although seems to warrant more of that element of surprise and edgy aptitude that you come to expect from proficient physical performance.

Bite Me Harder is one for the girls as well as the boys. But a cautionary warning: boys, hold onto your slapstick.