Before going to the Bongo Club I was a cabaret virgin. I certainly am not now. Our host and compare Des OConner (no, not that OConnor) bounds on stage, resplendent in a white dinner suit, white make up and sequined black eyes, clutching a ukulele. He is the perfect host, striking up curious, cutting and funny songs (Cheap Shite White Wine going down particularly well with the Edinburgh crowd), getting us excited about the acts, and encouraging the crowd to whoop and cheer.
The first act, Luke Wright, subjects us to some performance poetry. I felt a bit hesitant about this, fearing it might seem a bit pretentious. I neednt have worried Wright was excellent, mixing social satire with wit and charm. Anna Pocket Rocket is on stage next. She performs what seems an unlikely show of skills with hula hoops, backed by a pumping soundtrack. This is excellent entertainment, and we need no encouragement from Des to whoop and cheer.
Next up the Bambi Killers, a New York trio described as horror cabaret. These three girls move from a sparkly sing along to terrible denouement. This ending has me challenged in a way Ive not been in the Fringe since I was a teenager, my jaw dropping all the way down to my drink, which I certainly needed then.
After the break we see a burlesque striptease, by Wild Card Kitty, the Bongo Club Cabarets producer. This fan dance is teasing and certainly raised the temperature in the room. I found the Curious Collectives dance piece that followed disappointing after such a strong start. Their costumes are superb, but the piece felt a little long and aimless. The show concludes with the much feted Penny Dreadfuls, who deliver some of their Victorian sketch comedy to end the show on a funny note.
One of the reasons that the Bongo Club Cabaret works so well is the fact that it takes place in a real club, with a cracking sound system and excellent lighting. The line up will change, but if the mix selected the night I went is anything to go by, youre guaranteed a great night out.
