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Cabaret Fringe Festival The Weimar Room Sun 13 June - Until 3 July When one fronts up to a night that's as varied as those throughout The Weimer Room's 2004 Cabaret Fringe Festival, it goes without saying that there'd be some fluctuations in the quality of the many many acts on offer. On this one Sunday night bill in particular you couldn't have got a more of a mixed bag if you tried - and that's what makes this event both precariously interesting and even challenging, especially when you consider that to many, cabaret might be seen as a dirty word. First up there was an act that encompasses a life of success, fame and determination, as foretold to a young and beautiful flamenco dancer by a gypsy fortune teller. Together with romantic flair and with some added narration supplied by the fire and passion of traditional Spanish vocals and guitar, the much- travelled 'La Pasionaria' was to me a strong introduction, storyline-wise, to an art I've not considered before. 'GLITLER', as its name suggests, and as it soon became apparent, is a flamboyant propaganda filled romp where all the dangerous right wing idealism of Adolf Hitler is met by the use of mime with all the 'seventies teen adulation and glam that was Gary Glitter. Utilising a large white backdrop as a screen for which images and political footage was flickered upon, along with many other props, Otto and his faithful followers (known as Droogieboys) set about changing the world and rallying up support for his 'e' party. Paying tribute to Broadway musical composers, Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart comes 'You Gotta Have Hart'. This nine piece vocal group accompanied by piano, performed a selection of their most well known show tunes, including: That's Why The Lady Is A Tramp, Johnny One Note and My Funny Valentine, and while on a number of occasions some of the notes required weren't hit entirely cleanly, the show was well choreographed and segued effortlessly throughout. I don't doubt that Suzie Farrugia can actually sing well, but unfortunately I did cringe at her attempt at convincingly singing the blues... 'Big Girls Don't Cry They Belt The Blues' seemed as long winded a show as its title. Enough said. 'ANARCHIC' were cancelled this night and replaced by Philippe the Juggler and, 'The Magical Suitcase'. Fantastic! Having seen many a juggling act over the years, I guess what most impressed me here was not only did he twirl up to six glass balls, but he also juggled multi-coloured 'glow in the dark ones too, as well as having quite a unique throwing and catching technique that appeared more angular than circular. It's all in the motion. Last but definitely not least came the extremely offbeat and Mezcal drenched and soap bubble filled 'The Dreams Of A Chicken'. Now this was a sow to wait for... presented by the Institute of Pataphysical Studies, we're thrown into an 'anything goes' collection of absurdist poetry, KFC eating Buddhist chickens, and inexplicable audience participation. It was strange, silly and so stupid you can't help but laugh. Then there was the interval act, 'Vula The Hula Queen', where orange haired, fluttery eyed Vula and her guitar playing mate Nick made their way through hula-hoop tricks to keep the momentum happening during the set up times. The Weimer Room is an amazing space especially designed for cabaret acts. If you haven't seen anything here yet, or you're not too sure about what exactly cabaret is, I encourage you to get along to at least one of these nights over the next three weeks, they're a hoot. This is Cabaret Fringe!  |
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