In a little circus salon tent named ‘The Omnitorium’ tucked away behind George Square Theatre, Anya Anastasia proves that she is a force to be reckoned with. Packing her show full of music, UV lights, skeletons, shadow puppetry and even some naked ukulele playing,
Torte e Morte proves to be a whirlwind of avant-garde entertainment. You’ll laugh, you’ll scowl, you’ll gasp.
Anya, joined by drummer Agnus Croudace and backing vocalist Claire Gawne, makes commendable use of costumes and characters. Dressed up as Marie Antoinette, with 100” hips, singing songs about having ones head chopped off and eating cake, with a prop bag full to the brim of innovative ideas, Torte e Morte proves to be a whirlwind of avant-garde entertainment. You’ll laugh, you’ll scowl, you’ll gasp.
With female vocals, a piano and a drum-kit, lyrics and melodies are quirky with a Dresden Doll-esque flair. A show that goes above and beyond the call of duty, Anya even plays piano whilst wearing elbow-high opera gloves, and whilst taking them off too. Original song Off With Your Head played on ukulele is a highlight.
The costumes and characters are arguably a little gimmicky, hiding behind masquerades of dead monarchs and monsters. An original song about self-loathing, masked in a revealing red catsuit with devil horns, becomes the most real and authentic song of the show. After gorging ourselves on cake, we are lead to think about our own mortality and happiness.
The true meaning of fringe cabaret and variety, Torte e Morte: Songs of Cake and Death is an innovative display of ‘it’s my show, anything goes!’. Particularly recommended for fans of Emilie Autumn and The Dresden Dolls, but genuinely to be enjoyed by all. An awe-inspiring parade of blood, sweat and tears - and cake. Get ready to lose your head.
