| Ouch |
| Words: Dusty | |
| Wednesday, 08 August 2007 | |
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Ouch. That's my head. And also ouch. That's my neck. Last night's Vaudeville was spectacular, and I'm not just saying that because I hosted it. In some ways it was a trip down addled memory lane forme, as I'd met some of the artists way back at the old Bongo in 2003. Luke Wright, who I first saw when he was just a poetical nipper, was in stonkiing form. Why do we suck up to tedious stand up comics who happen to be on the telly, when Mr Wright is twice as funny, much more engaged, AND rhymes and scans? Missy Malone was, as ever, exquisite -Mazaika blew the roof off with the kind of musicianship that makes me wish I'd kept up my piano lessons - Ben Bryant was the sexiest thing up a ladderand my mate Mikelangelo and his beautiful partner Undine Francesca were both haunting and hilarious. The show ended with another old mate, the stunning Geraldine Quinn, whose voice is in a league of its own. My hangover I blame on the brilliant Tom Baker and Ophelia Bitz and their song, 'Vodka', which must have put evil thoughts into my head. Why else would I find myself necking a bottle of the stuff mid-song? But last night's excesses did not blot out the memory of our gorgeous acts. And without wishing to play favourites, I must admit that Cabaret 1927's opening tableau is possibly the single most beautiful thing I've ever seen on a stage. Whatever the Fringe throws up at you (and I'm not speaking literally, though on a Saturday night in Leith Walk there's every possibility), nights like last night remind me of why we all do this, why we put up with penury and frustration and shattered hopes and constant free-floating anxiety and substance abuse issues... With my brains and savoir faire I could have been a captain of industry, were it not for my total aversion to work. I could own houses, yachts, houseboys, cashmere, real jewellery.... But when I see something like Cabaret 1927, I am happy, because my soul is richer than diamonds. And anyway, cheap jewellery always looks better under lights. |