Cabaret All-Stars Christmas Special featuring Duncan James
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Star rating: Five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Even if it wasn’t for the ongoing global pandemic, this new slate of Proud Cabaret’s Christmas shows across its London and Brighton venues would still be must-see live events. The fact that they have been put together and staged safely under the strict new Covid regulations makes them a blessing: a bottle of fine champagne after a long trek through the desert.In addition to stage legends and established Proud Embankment performers Kerry Ellis and Denise van Outen, Rachel Stephens and Duncan James have been drafted onto the roster for the Christmas season. This is a review of the latter’s show, but judging by the quality of the production tonight, it is safe to say that any of these events would be a fabulous way to spend a winter’s evening.
The venue has gone to great lengths to reduce risk of virus transmission, including temperature checks at the door, a strict mask policy for staff, and seating in bubbles. Ticket packages vary, but all include a three plus course meal of delicious Asian/European-fusion dishes prepared by master chef Antonio Vacca, as well as a welcome drink.
To open the show, we are treated to the hilarious, talented, and stunningly costumed drag act Virgin X (the “Mother of Gawd”). As well as performing side-splitting and blasphemous rewritings of classic songs, Virgin X serves as host for the first half of the show. She introduces a mind-blowing roster of world-class performers, all of whom deserve much more adulation than we have space for here.
First up is Pi the Mime, who masterfully intertwines philosophical social commentary with drag, dance, and comedy. They are followed by Emanuel and Giuseppe Curatola, Sicilian brothers who defy gravity and belief with their incredible circus-honed acrobatics.
Next up is Luke Trentham Shaw’s stunning aerial salute to the sexy side of James Bond, lapped up voraciously by the increasingly rowdy audience. Felicity Furore then raises the temperature further with her affectionate tribute to vintage burlesque. Renowned drag duo J’adore La Vie have taken a break from Gucci runways and the Moulin Rouge to bring comedy and jaw-dropping fashion to London, which they do with barnstorming acts of stylish slapstick and dance.
One of the evening’s many highlights is Lady Lydia’s graceful aerial ballet and mind-blowing contortion skills. Despite spinning 20 feet off the ground in seemingly impossible positions, her act brings on a hypnotic calm.
Also taking to the rafters, London burlesque legend Marie Devilreux stuns with incredible costumes and a well-honed routine that has the audience eating out of her hand.And then there was the Rocky Horror number. Oh, the Rocky Horror number. This review could go into exacting detail of every second of the Rocky Horror number but you would still not be prepared for the Rocky Horror number. Suffice it to say: Duncan James can really pull off fishnet tights and a corset. Just book a ticket and you’ll see. And thank me.
Those who had come along for the more familiar, suave, pop heartthrob iteration of James are not disappointed, however. The Dr. Frank‘N’Furter drag is the first of many outfits, and we are given plenty of opportunities to appreciate his fantastic voice, including a rendition of Blue classic, ‘Sorry Seems To Be the Hardest Word’. His vocals sound incredible and dispel any silly notions of boybanders all being untalented or autotune-reliant. This man has proved himself on many a West End stage, after all. As James graciously takes over hosting duties from Virgin X, he also demonstrates a talent for winning over a rowdy Friday night crowd with humour and natural charm.
Many performers take to the stage alongside James, including Isabella Bliss, who performs an uncanny Marilyn Monroe tribute before later absolutely slaying the house down with a high-energy splash inside a giant martini glass. The leather-clad Jessicats also leans into the boozy theme with a raucous burlesque number brimming with pure rock‘n’roll power. As well as being a spellbinding performer, Jessicats also serves as director for this and other Proud Cabaret shows. She is clearly a creative force to be reckoned with.
James’ final guest is his Priscilla, Queen of the Desert co-star Amy Di Bartolomeo. Bartolomeo’s voice is a wonderfully expressive and powerful instrument which shuts down all drunken conversations from the back corners of the venue and earns her a standing ovation.
Right now, this is simply the best cabaret show in town. When the live entertainment scene begins to reopen fully, many of these incredible performers will no doubt be jetting off for international tours and the bright lights of other major cities. You would be well advised to book a ticket and catch them while you can.
– Ian Bowkett