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Cabaret From The Shadows

 
Aidan Stark Review by Aidan Stark 4 Published: 9 May 2017 The Warren: Main House Show Dates: 5 May 2017-10 May 2017

Amid the abundance of hard hitting and harrowing new work presented at the Fringe, one could be forgiven for wondering why we’re all taking ourselves so seriously. Where is the fun? Do we have to sacrifice entertainment values if we’re dealing with topical or sensitive issues? Teatro Pomodoro’s Cabaret from the Shadows tackles an overwhelming array of themes, but it is always joyous and fabulously tongue in cheek. An eclectic and often mismatched assortment of entertainments, it is performed by a tireless ensemble who are almost too eager to please.

What is most impressive is the sheer ambition of the show

Varying from the political, to the personal, to the perverse, we are subjected to an assembly line of burning hot topics. Nothing seems off limits as the cast speeds through one issue after another, depicting a rather power hungry royal family, a Kate Middleton who wants to be a commoner just like you, a hilarious chicken who serenades us as another cast member whisks an egg in front of him, and a chilling moment where breast implants are made into mincemeat. A particularly disturbing moment comes when a chorus of over amiable singers reassure us that refugees are no longer a problem as they sing: “a smile on my face, everything ace, life is good for me.” If this all sounds a little too much you might very well be right. Some of the scenes were so intriguing that I longed for them to be explored further, but everything’s done with such style, and at such a breakneck pace, that I prefer to see this show as a kaleidoscopic overview of 2017’s social concerns.

It is reassuring to see such a talented and hardworking ensemble at the Fringe and, while some of the jokes work better than others, these energetic performers carry the show through. A special mention must go the beautiful set pieces and props which add to what is something of a surprise involving full audience participation in the cabaret’s final moments.

What is most impressive is the sheer ambition of the show. This ensemble is not afraid to tackle a myriad of hot topics and current issues and, while these themes are frequently dropped too soon after they are introduced, their irreverent take it or leave it attitude is refreshing. Definitely worth a look.

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The Blurb:

A fresh and shameless show with an eclectic mix of theatre, dark comedy and live music, featuring charmingly anarchic characters who will leave your mouth agape as they reveal the depths of your psyche. They’ll play with your thoughts, chew them up and spit them out in the form of cabaret that pulls you through a crazy hall of mirrors into a disturbing world far more familiar than you may like to admit. Come let devilry, illusion and mischief seize your heart and soul at the ‘Cabaret From The Shadows’! “Political, comic, sexy and strange. Teatro Pomodoro have produced a masterpiece” (Urbanista).