Tag Archives: cabaret

Lady Rizo, Soho Theatre

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Lady Rizo is my kinda girl…feisty, fun and fabulous. Fresh from New York’s cabaret scene, she has arrived in England to make her London debut at the Soho Theatre.

I was initially attracted to Lady Rizo because of her name… any who know me well will know about my obsession with Grease and my ongoing ambition to play the rebellious Rizzo. When I researched Lady Rizo’s show, I realised there was more than just her name to love. She is a ballsy comedienne and chanteuse from America with fierce attitude, a wacky sense of humour, sensational vocal talent and an addictively daring character. She has an undeniable ability to entertain.

The show starts at 9.45 pm which is quite late for a weeknight, but I left more awake than when I arrived: her wit and wonderfulness leave you buzzing. I will admit we didn’t always ‘get’ the jokes, but the music, wow, it was incredible. Of the songs she performed, some are original compositions, others hauntingly beautiful covers. She effortlessly belts and bellows into the microphone, with exceptional tone and not a note out of tune… impressive considering the vocal range she displays.

It is a raucous night and audience members should expect to be fully included… so if you’re shy don’t sit in the front row or by the aisle! Sitting within easy reach I was the subject of one of her first jokes as she removed my glasses (with difficulty) and mucked around with my hair. Funnier though was when she picked a redhead to help her change outfit while asking her about how she lost her virginity. It sounds seedy but Lady Rizo manages to add glitz and humour to every situation and had the whole venue in fits of laughter.

On Wednesday 27th February we were lucky enough to have Noisettes singer, Shingai Shoniwa in the audience. She whooped and wolf whistled enthusiastically for her friend throughout until eventually she was asked up on stage to help Rizo with her spectacular encore. It was an excellent extra.

A comic who can move, a singer who can joke and an entertainer who can inspire, Rizo is a very special lady, catch her while you can at the Soho Theatre.

More information here.

Crazy Horse Paris Presents Forever Crazy, Southbank

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Wow! Be warned, this is not a show for the weak-hearted.

Infamous cabaret club Le Crazy Horse Paris bring their new show Forever Crazy to London, a titillating display of beautiful bodies and captivating moves. The production is housed in a luxurious purpose-built Southbank venue. This raunchy cabaret show was opened in 1951 by Alain Bernardin on the prestigious Avenue George V and is known for its glamorous nude cabaret attracting a cool bohemian crowd. Le Crazy Horse has collaborated with celebrity guests such as Pamela Anderson, Carmen Electra, Arielle Dombasle and Dita Von Teese. Throughout its history the Crazy Horse girls have been muses to artists, writers and fashion designers. They have walked in couture presentations and performed for some of the world’s most prestigious fashion houses.

My friend and I visited Forever Crazy on opening night, with no idea of the excitement and heart-wrenching envy we were about to endure. The dimly lit tent is decorated with flirtatious neon signs. In the auditorium audience members sit at cabaret tables around the room, ensuring a good view for everyone, but an absolute nightmare for the poor waitresses.

The ten Crazy girls are perhaps the most beautiful women on the planet. Despite recently watching the Moulin Rouge show in Paris, I felt naïve and unsophisticated witnessing this glorified striptease. Plumped and pouting to perfection, poised ready to deliver, these girls are too hot to handle. Don’t take your boyfriend, I even found myself getting hot under the collar. Seriously sexy, men and women will be transfixed by the dancing and exhilarating acts.

For me, it was the visuals that were most impressive. Staggering lighting design and direction from the creative team accentuate the talented performers and create wildly imaginative optical illusions. It is a feast for the eyes. My favourite acts were ‘Upside Down’ a kaleidoscope of sensuality, and ‘God Save our Bareskin’ where a well rehearsed army of girls stomp about in Royal Guards uniforms.

Overflowing with Parisian glamour and allure, these seductive French Fancies will leave you stunned and stuttering all the way home.

Forever Crazy runs until 24th December 2012 at Southbank. Tickets start from £35 and special Champagne and show packages are available.

For more info, visit: http://www.forevercrazy.co.uk/

Cantina, Southbank Centre

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Cantina is a short and eccentric cabaret show headlining at Southbank’s Priceless London Wonderground, in the Udderbelly venue. Fresh from tours of Australia and Europe, the petite cast are gleefully confident on stage, prancing about with no apparent fear.

Chilling and dangerously dark at times, this production will certainly hold your attention. Created specifically for a spiegeltent, this cosy environment suits the production perfectly. It is not your average cabaret, this show is definitely more sultry than sexy. The impressive pain the performers seem to endure is wincingly captivating though scarily disturbing at times. Some acts are better than others, I found the silly baby voice of Chelsea McGuffin, along with the heel stomping and bottle balancing, immensely irritating and unnecessary. It is slender, wide-eyed Finnish contortionist Henna Kaikula who interested and impressed me most, her lyrical movements and secretive nature are alluring to watch.

The acts focus on the precarious relationships between men and women. Some of the choreography is dark and aggressive, balletic dance develops into harsh movements. Whilst this is powerful and entrancing, I wonder quite how necessary the violent abusive insinuations are. I feel particularly pained for David Carberry who endures the brunt of the hostility.

It is a lovely extra to have live music on stage while the acts commence, the lilting melodies and gentle rhythms add an exhilarating energy to the production and gives the proceedings edge. It is well thought through and there are moments of humour although I am not entirely sure about the naked newspaper scene, you’ll have to go to understand this as I’m too embarrassed to explain!

These talented artists twist and contort for our amusement, and judging by the audience reaction their sombre circus is a resounding triumph. I have some reservations but commend the cast on a well composed and perfected piece of dramatic work.

Continues until 30 September, more information here.