theSpace @ Niddry
Aug 2-10, 12-17, 19-24
Times Vary
It was getting late at the Edinburgh Fringe, well, not that late, 10PM late, & I was completely buzzing after knocking back a few IPAs & seeing some proper funny comedy. The Fringe was here & I was rollickingly up for it, fizzing sublimely in a somewhat hen-partyish mood, the only accoutrement to which mood would be some camp cabaret. Luckily, something just like that would soon be starting only a couple of hundred meters away. And then I walk’d into Sex, Camp & Rock n’ Roll…
This autobiographical production from San Franciso’s utterly beautiful, Led Zep in their pomp, RP Welsh wasn’t cabaret, as such – it was a piece of classy performance art masquerading as cabaret, for our leading protagonist was baring his damaged soul with beauty, pathos & bangin’ tunes. The show revolves around his time as a sex worker, when his addiction to carnal decadence & the pseudo-affection gain’d in those well-paid hours were the nearest thing he ever came to a meaningful relationship.
He wasn’t alone – two pink-haired ladies – the Kuntz – danced & moomin’d about him; while a slick three-piece – The Gruntz! – bang’d out a series of 70’s classics from artists such as Donna Summer & Talking Heads. Together, the troupe’s hedonistic chemistry just crackl’d, shooting funky electric sparks into the audience & setting our spirits on fire.
Sex, Camp & Rock n’ Roll was a feast for the eyes, all classy choreography & over the top costumes. The show swirl’d about on its carousel, from dodgy one-line jokes, to a tempo-shifting, monologuing penetration of Welsh’s soul as he bared it balancing delicately on the precipice of despair. The one criticism I’d have would be that at times it felt a little too scripted, a slight disconnect which the best storytellers can camouflage. However, there is youth in the troupe, & volcano-worths of energy, & their show is an inspirational treasure to witness. If you enjoy both cabaret & theatre with substance, Sex, Camp & Rock n’ Roll is the perfect show for you.
Damo
themumble.uk 