Cabaret Boheme: Cinematic Spectacular By Veronica Blacklace. Spiegeltent, May 18th.
This show certainly puts the tits in titillation. The opening gambit from compere, performer and singer was ‘There’s going to be a lot of vaginas out’! So, with a bang, Veronica Blacklace (an experience burlesque performer and West End singer) and company return for the fourth consecutive year to Brighton’s Speigeltent to present their new cinematic spectacle.
Opening with a scantily-clad Harry Potter number, the following performance brought in a diamante bikini-clad trapeze act which left little or nothing to the imagination, a sequence of risqué moves which left the 20-30 something crowd cheering for more. Veronica, as a latter day Babs Windsor, confidently said ‘And that’s how you open a show!’.
This show brought together a number of popular songs from classic films ‘The Wizard of Oz’, ‘Moulin Rouge’ and ‘Titanic’ amongst others, but re-working key songs with a saucy twist. The song ‘These are a few of my Favourite Things’ updated these for a contemporary audience with ‘binge-watching Netflix … and Sunday Roast dinners with all the trimmings’.
Chi Chi Revolver was a great addition to this cabaret format, with two outings in both halves of the show, an electro swing number and a capable, fun, and innovative hula hooper with flashing lights, disappearing clothes and a wry smile plus some great tunes to enliven the proceedings.
Dave the Bear brought a comedic element to the show with a laconic and amusing performance in a couple of outings which the audience loved. A stripping Captain Jack Sparrow in leather chaps, he skipped gaily up the dais, showering viewers with water from his pistol and later, an exploding glitter gun, which brought the house down.
Certain elements stood out: the audience participation, the very dry and quick response from our blonde compere, a camera phone light parade for a very select version of ‘Over the Rainbow’, and some impressive trapeze performances brought the audience to its feet clapping, and the great vocals of Chris the male singer were much enjoyed by all.
This show is definitely post watershed, it’s big on flesh, and short on subtlety. Not that that’s a bad thing and Veronica’s audience are certainly faithful followers – many audience members seemed like they’d come back for more. Nipple tassels abound and at times I felt I was watching a strip show. Not always to my taste, but I can see how this spectacular appeals to the stag and hen do’s visiting the city. It was very well put together and seamless in its banter and repartee. Veronica as compere is supremely able and polished at what she does. As producer, performer, manager, this lady does create it all. For those wanting more, Veronica is also hosting a new show “Showcase London” which is touring the UK.
https://www.brightonfringe.org/whats-on/cabaret-boheme-cinematic-spectacular-19613
