Low Down
A satirical (or take it straight if you will) glitzy mounting of (Almost) the Eurovision Song Contest. Set in sunny Sarajevo, ten Countries compete and the audience votes.
Review
This kitch spectacular deserves the full five star accolade. Hugely enjoyable.
I predict five years in the West End! At least! This is a people show, yes ,but there’s no need to be snobby about it The script is very witty indeed and the whole cast, without exception, display with unforced ease, not only their undoubted talents as singers, dancers and actors, but also an instinct for comedy to which this fast-paced production gives ample scope. Whether your tipple is Pinacolada or Gin & French, this is the show for you! This glitzy mounting of (almost) the Eurovision Song Contest is musical satire at its besequinned best.
The show is introduced on TV monitor by Terry Wogan who sets the satirical tone and, at the end, the audience is invited to vote for their favourite of the ten competing countries. On the night I went, gay Estonia won – a very good looking and besuited trio led by an actor/singer Arvid Larsen, whose voice should take him to the top of the charts, supported by the superbly athletic Sergio Priftis and Ryan Molloy. They didn’t remain besuited for long!
Any of the other nine countries could have won and equally deserved the encore performance – the raw masculinity of Russia, the bitchy incompetence of the UK, and the serious leprechaun from Ireland who got lost in stage smoke and didn’t know the difference between Dingle Bay and the back wall of the theatre –all were a treat.
The evening is marvellously hosted by Boyka , played by Mel Giedroyc who flaunts her Eurovision vulgarity without shame ,and ageing Empress of Camp, Sergei, played tartly by Glynn Nicholas, even his walk is brittle with diamante - indeed talent and sequins glitter from every orifice. How lucky the Greek presenter wasn’t in the hot seat for the evening: I fear she’d have made a boob of it. (In-joke!.... Go and see the show to get it!)
Reviewed by RF 16.08.07
