Review: Old World Vaudeville Returns To Sydney With The Premiere of SPIEGEL'ESQUE, Set In The Intimate Das Kleine Spiegelzelt.

Friday 25th November 2016, 7pm, Italian Forum, Leichhardt

Wayne Scott Kermond revives the beauty and frivolity of vaudeville, burlesque and cabaret music halls with this new production SPIEGEL'ESQUE. Presented in the 97 year old Belgium tent that graced many a fairground across Europe before it was stored and ultimately saved from destruction in WWII, SPIEGEL'ESQUE sees the fully restored tent returning to do what it was built for.

Whilst Sydney has hosted a variety of Spiegeltents over the years, Das Kleine Spiegelzelt is the smallest, fitting nicely within the Italian Forum Piazza in Leichhardt, an unusual setting but somewhat in keeping with the tents origins of being pitched in town squares as it toured. Along with providing a more civilised accessibility, with no uneven parklands to navigate, it also allows guests to make use of the restaurants in the area, either before or after the show rather than teetering on park tables and stools.

The "little" tent which seats 130 guests on folding chairs and in the traditional booths allows Vayne (Kermond) and his troupe to get up close and personal with the audience. Director Katie Kermond has developed a show that draws on Kermond's background as a 4th generation performer with ties back to Australia's history of vaudeville whilst introducing a new generation of performers and audiences to the classic 'arts' that entertained and tantalised. Traditional burlesque, before it was taken over by the striptease dancers proves the allure is in the suggestion not necessarily the need for skin. Energetic tap showcases athleticism whilst pared with a wonderful chemistry and playfulness. Pop songs are expressed with new arrangements to provide comedy elements or draw out the old world burlesque dance and costuming of corsets and sequins and circus elements are included with some amazing aerial work above the small stage.

Wayne Scott Kermond manages the crowd well as the host, German Vayne, dealing with obnoxious patrons well and remembering those that seem receptive to being included in his banter. He exhibits an adoration and respect for his cast and shows that he can keep up with the youngsters as well. Soloist Kate Wilson takes on the role of Vayne's unreciprocated obsession Sophia and provides the bulk of the vocals. For her first number she is solid and clear but seems to have issues pitching in following songs which may be attributable to sound tech issues but for the most part plays along with the 'storylines' with a sass and attitude befitting the diva image. Aerialists Angelique Brown and Chris Talbot have created routines that utilise the low ceiling well and have an intensity and connection that makes them a joy to watch. It is also noted that Brown manages many of her routines in heels, a rare choice not seen in many other aerial routines.

SPIEGEL'ESQUE. is an entertaining night of escapism and fun that allows people to experience live theatre in an almost immersive sense that you don't usually get in larger Spiegel tents. Presented with heart and humour this is a great show to unwind with and well worth heading out to Leichhardt to experience.

SPIEGEL'ESQUE.

Italian Forum Leichhardt

23rd November 2016 - 15th January 2017

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