Cabaret is as big at the fringe as Doctor Faustus and then some. We where lucky to get to see two very different shows that where both fun, warmly delivered by women you will fall in love with. Cabaret is one of the hardest forms of comedy that a performer can do, much like a sketch comedy, they have to engage you and you have to see their story and take it all on board. Ivy and Rachel do that and then some, their shows powerfully punctuated with beautiful songs, great gentle humour, and wonderful audience banter.
Ivy Paige – The Red Show, C Venues
It’s not hard not to like Ivy Paige. Her show, The Red Rooms, saw the audience introduced to a diva like over the top but fragile character who songs would let you see past the confidence and dresses. They seemed to have some trouble that night and during the first song some guys behing me walked out, which was just rude, and in a way am glad they did. Ivy show became something you wouldn’t have expected. Her banter with the audience was sweet and meaningful and her songs, all original compositions, where delivered with heart.
There was one song, Kiss Me in the Spotlight (I think that’s right) that was simply beautiful. The venue worked against her slightly. Though she had Pete Saunders (Dexys Midnight Runners) on piano and Vicious Fallacious (Leah Shands) adding some pretty nice comedic moments the night developed into a wonderfully paced evening. In a smaller venue with a slightly bigger crowd this would have worked well, still, I loved every minute.
At the end of the night she kissed and hugged the people in the audience and then she was gone.
C (+2) 18-30 Aug at 21:50 (0hr50)
Tickets £8.50-£10.50 / concessions £7.50-£9.50
Parental Guidance To book tickets call 0845 260 1234.
Rachel Sage – ‘Stop Me If I’m Kvetching…‘, C central Cabaret Bar
What is not to love about Rachel? Her very jewish cabaret show is slick, confident, and insanely fun to be part of. A very respectful crowd that she played off really well. As we walked into the show her manager gave us all clackers and duck whistles and during one of her songs we had to use them, there was a joke I think her accordion player was suposed to day, he got a big kick out of it.
Her songs we beautiful performed and you could have sat there for the hour and listened to her sing, at times you could catch her eye in a way that expressed so much more and became incredibly touching. Rachel has a real gift and her music stands up on its own like few artist can. Her show is a great music of jewish stories and sayings, there was a word she said which means someone who worries and is more comfortable being a worrier or unhappy. Her band worked well and never felt heavy, they worked well together and gave the show a little extra warmth and love that really made this show stand out.
One of the highlights was when Rachel gave presents to her band and manager. This seemed genuine and not a set up, and if it was they played their parts well! Rachel Sage is funny as she is a great singer. Her show had the right pace and the audience loved it, what’s more is you will be pleasantly surprised at how much you will like this show!
C central (cabaret bar) 15-30 Aug at 22:45 (1hr00)
Tickets £9.50-£11.50 / concessions £8.50-£10.50
Universal To book tickets call 0845 260 1234.
