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Foo Foo Fighters: Gothic Horror

Brighton Horrorfest 2018 invited audiences to ‘Come to the Castle of Count Jackula’ to see the Foo Foo Fighters’ intriguing and delightfully bloodthirsty burlesque with a Gothic Horror twist. Here women will take their clothes off, but not for the titillation of heterosexual men. This is far more sophisticated and complex than that.

Delightfully bloodthirsty burlesque with a Gothic Horror twist

‘Take your cigarette from your holder,’ sings Count Jackula, the excellent, sardonic and witty compère, ‘and burn your name on my shoulder.’ What is he asking for? Our approval or our disdain? In the end it doesn’t matter. Who cares?

A striptease to the lyric ‘I can wear the pants, with my f**king heels on’ has a frisson of female empowerment and this was not lost on the wildly enthusiastic and predominantly female audience. It’s OK to be sexy. Marylin Manson plays as a backdrop for an invitation to appreciate this unusual take on femininity, transgressive sexuality and masochistic proclivities. It’s OK to be who you are, no matter how that might appear, and it’s fine to celebrate that.

Acts included Dolly Doré, Serona Thornicroft and Lolita Eves. It seems churlish to pull out a favourite in a cast without a dud, but Lydia la Scabies’ lip-synching was eerily perfect and her demeanour was entrancing. Music was lively and Gothic, as one would expect, and helped keep a good pace for the show.

Count Jackula and his helpers, the muscular Egor and the sardonically insouciant and well-buckled Kitten Bear, provided an ambience of tongue-in-cheek mischief. With some well-managed audience participation this was a comfortably uncomfortable invitation to rejoice in the unusual. Bathing in blood may not be everyone’s idea of a good time, but it was certainly appreciated by the audience!

What it boils down to is that a bloody good time was had by all.

Reviews by Sebastian Beaumont

The Warren: Theatre Box

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★★★★
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★★★
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FREAK

★★★★

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
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Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Performances

Location

The Blurb

Come to the Castle of Count Jackula so he, along with his sexy assistant, Egor, can introduce you to some of the scariest and sexiest monsters from Gothic Horror history.

A macabre and sexy alternative cabaret show with burlesque and variety acts, centred around a horror theme, with each performer interpreting the best villains and monsters from classic horror literature, film, and history.

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