Friday night was about to be celebrated in fine style as I readied myself for a glamorous burlesque experience. Le Scandal has already taken New York by storm attracting a wealth of A-listers through it doors and boasting sell-out shows on a nightly basis. It premiered in the UK for the first time at the start of the Brighton Fringe Festival and has proved a popular choice with festival goers. On arrival at the Udderbellys pastures, the queue was already snaking across the front of the stage and out through the main gate. I wedged myself into one of the few remaining seats seconds before we were plunged into pre-show darkness. At lights-up, we were introduced to the show then to the house band, The Gents. Upon entry kazoo’s were given out at random for audience members to join in with the band which proved for a rather interesting soundtrack! The show proceeded to throw up a variety of alternative performances turning the arena into a dreamscape. The women were stunning and the men muscle bound as Le Scandal stayed just the right side of provocative. The show has everything from unicycle mounted fire jugglers to high flying acrobats, shining up dangling drapes of white fabric like it was a walk in the park. The show was punctuated with cabaret style entertainment from host/compare Miss. Bonnie whose songs rarely deviated from the subject of sex. Not that we complained! Le Scandal is tastefully sexy and the top class acts were alluring, making eye contact with onlookers almost daring them to show some flesh. The glamorous finale saw a role reversal with about half the paying public taking to the stage dancing whilst a few of the shows scantily clad females cast themselves onto the remaining audience! This is one stylish soirée.
Saturday morning came around rather quickly with my daughter coming in and poking me in the ribs at 6:30am. I found myself in the familiar state of regret after having a few extra beers the night before. Although the day was sure to be a busy one, the evening was the only night off I’d get during May so both the sofa and the TV were calling followed by an early night! Onwards and upwards, I had an excited 3 year old looking forward to the Tim Bat Trick Show at the Brunswick. Mr. Tim Bat is a warming character and the kids in the room loved him and his visual, almost clumsy entertainment style. Dressed in a red blazer and black shorts with his socks held up with braces, he started the show with a dance routine. The show came complete with balancing acts and the juggling of assorted objects including eggs! Today was all about the kids and as the parents took a back seat, the room was full of laughter and beaming smiles. My daughter however, couldn’t hide her frustration at not being picked to go on-stage and proceeded to scowl her best scowl at Tim Bat! Come the end of the show and seemingly enlightened with what they had just seen, a heard of children bounced from the pub. It takes a brave man to entertain crowds of children and Tim Bat complete with his Trick Show pulled it off brilliantly. Enjoyed by all.
Sunday was spent lazing in the sun. After the present giving ceremony (girlfriends birthday) more lazing in the sun occurred. The evening promised possibly the only event in the festival that I was slightly unsure about, despite reassurances from friends that it was brilliant. The Ladyboy’s of Bangkok. Now, I am by no means closed minded or prejudiced in any way but I just couldn’t see that I’d enjoy this sort of show. Cabaret’s not really my thing. After arriving promptly we were shown to our table which was right at the front by the stage. This made me slightly nervous as I’d heard rumors of audience participation. I quickly noticed the happy and excited faces sitting around me and the atmosphere seemed to be rather cool. What was I worrying about? The show, as it happens, turned out to be a blast! Glamorous costumes, bad lip-syncing, great dance routines and a wonderful tongue in cheek attitude make the show what it is. As they ploughed their way through heaps of well known pop songs, people were up on their feet dancing, forming conga lines and all sorts. A few bewildered onlookers did indeed get dragged up on stage and it added to the party atmosphere nicely. I can understand that this might not be everyone’s cup of tea but I urge you to go along. I guarantee you’ll tapping your feet and clapping your hands within 10 minutes of curtain-up.
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