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Tropicana

Billed as ‘the future of queer comedy cabaret’ Tropicana is Aidan Sadler’s 80’s solo show of classic queer hits at the suitably late hour of 23:15 at theSpaceTriplex.

this late-night entertainment has hit the spot in terms of mass appeal

Although promoted as ‘Edinburgh Fringe's most engaging LGBTQIA+ act’ the appeal is even wider, judging from the audience on the night. Gays? Surprisingly, almost none. Adoring women in their twenties and thirties? Lots. Straight couples who grew up in that period, reliving the concerts many of them probably attended? More than one would ever have imagined. Clearly this late-night entertainment has hit the spot in terms of mass appeal.

As far as the music is concerned Sadler doesn’t disappoint. The company work their way through one smash hit after another, belting out loudly backed song after song with energetic enthusiasm. Spandau Ballet’s Gold provides the excuse, if one were needed, to pull sparkling leaves of the stuff from every part of their glistening suit. Human League’s Don't You Want Me, ABC’s The Look of Love and a-ha’s Take On Me follow in rapid succession, along with several others that are the highlight of the extravaganza and punctuate the interludes of humour.

For all the musical success the show falls down on the comedy front. As a relative newcomer, along with co-writer and director George Bricher, the material for the most part fails to hit the mark and an element of self-consciousness is apparent, in marked contrast to the confidence exuded in the vocal work.The nervous giggle that accompanies many of the punchlines that don't hit home is a give away.

While that weakness can't be forgiven it can easily be forgotten. The show reaches its glorious climax and finale with the inevitable Club Tropicana from Wham! and the feel-good factor of having revelled in one the the most fabulous periods of pop music accompanies the journey home.

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Since you’re here…

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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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Performances

Location

The Blurb

Make cabaret queer again! Bursting onto the London scene, Tropicana is the future of queer comedy cabaret. Soon to be Edinburgh Fringe's most engaging LGBTQIA+ act, the show explores, bends and abuses the gender binary through comedy on a backdrop of electrifying 80s hits. Singing classic hits ranging from Spandau all the way to ABC, Aidan draws from their own tumultuous experience being queer in a small industrial town. Nothing is safe from ridicule, such as body image, straight folk and the dreaded ASOS gays.
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