I had no idea what to expect when I went to see The Cabaret of Menace at C too. Outside the moon was full, and hanging over the city like some kind of maternal eye. Inside the cast was eerily silent, dotted around on chairs. The women in dresses and the men dressed in smart suits; all except one who appeared to be a spindly freak. Then one starts to speak, then another, and another; until they are all finally saying the same thing. The freak then announces - in a grotesque voice - Welcome to the Cabaret of Menace. It kind of set the tone.
I was expecting some run-of-the-mill cabaret, but instead I got a sinister sketch show, which chills to the core. The first scene is a dialogue for three. The actors are just sitting on chairs and talking to one another, but such is the skill and emotional intensity, you really believe you've been transported to a deleterious place. The rest of the sketches are all in a similar vein, which could be described as Tales of the Unexpected meets Abigail's Party - each leaving you more unsettled than the last.
With minimal set and superlative acting, this show by Cambridge University ADC is a highlight of the Fringe, and a must see for everyone. I was very surprised to find out this was a student production as it contains some of the finest acting and best production I have seen in Edinburgh. After leaving the venue, the moon was still full but now malevolent; and the streets slightly darker and more sinister. The lines from the show where still running through my head as I hurried home.
