People who have never had the chance to visit Edinburgh in August often wonder what the Fringe Festival is really like. Since 2009, Londoners have been able to sample the atmosphere of Edinburgh without the travel fare thanks to the Southbank’s Udderbelly, a concept which started it’s life at (and is still a huge part of) the Edinburgh Festival. Udderbelly’s London offering has expanded and now includes the London Wonderground: a circus tent come cabaret venue.These two spaces will be showing the same mash of comedy and cabaret that serve as the life blood of their Scottish cousins throughout the summer.
This year’s programme includes a regular Friday evening residency for The Black Cat Cabaret and their latest offering Hotel Black Cat. The Black Cat Cabaret are already well established having won ‘Best Production’ at the London Cabaret Awards 2014 and seeing their work live illustrates why. Hotel Black Cat is a late night selection of music, dance, comedy and circus skills and the eclectic cast and their varying talents ensure that there is something on offer for everyone.
Director Laura ‘Frisky’ Corcoran gives the evening the loose structure of a fledgling hotel trying to win the investment of two wealthy backers. Although there is no real audience investment in the plot, it serves as an interesting way to hold the various acts together and the character played by each performer adds another dimension to their individual acts. The concept also allows a seamless transition between performances, aided by the superb lighting design of David Harris.
Another contributor to the smooth running of the show is Dusty Limits who is confident and assured in his dual role as hotel manager and compere. He effortlessly interacts with the audience and cast alike and his musical numbers are sung with the panache of an 80s pop star.
At 75 minutes long the show is jam packed with acts who are too many to mention but highlights include the breathtaking acrobatics and contortion of Katharine Arnold and ‘Nathan and Isis’ and the python-esque physical comedy of Dimitri Hatton.
Special mention goes to the ‘Resident Orchestra’ Bowjangles, who as well as providing backing for many of the other musical numbers, shine in their own right. Their hilarious routine mashes high art with low to poke fun at the melodrama of Classical Opera.
The true spirit of the Edinburgh Fringe is taking a punt on something you wouldn’t normally go and see. If you’re looking for reward without the risk then Hotel Black Cat is a safe bet.
Hotel Black Cat plays every Friday until August 29th at London Wonderground, Southbank Centre.
As soon as you arrive at Proud Camden, it’s clear that you are not in for the average night at the theatre. The Donkey Show is a fabulous, exhilarating and flamboyant musical based on one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays: A Midsummer Nights Dream.