Gossamer Thread’s Vaudeville Co. “Curiouser and Curiouser” at Norwich Arts Centre, 18 July 2014. Review and photos by Richard Shashamane
Gossamer Thread’s Curiouser and Curiouser, Alice in Wonderland-themed production, took over the Arts Centre on the hottest and muggiest evening of the year to entertain those of us still in the fine city during Latitude weekend. The foyer of the NAC and the bar were transformed with cards, instructions, and teacups all around, and Earl Harlem on music duties in the bar.
Earl Harlem
I think this was one of Gossamer Thread’s best shows with great entertainment, fun, cabaret and superb skill all the way through. Hosted once again by the brilliant Lili la Scala and with performances by Alex the Mind Reader, Ruby Truelove, Kiki Lovechild, Below the String, and a stunning finale by Daisy Black on aerial silks which was at once beautiful and breathtaking, and which made the audience collectively and audibly gasp.
Lili la Scala
Ruby Truelove
Kiki Lovechild
Alex the Mind Reader
Daisy Black
Ruby Truelove
Kiki Lovechild
Kiki Lovechild
Below the String
Lili sang, chatted and introduced the acts in her own deliciously risque style and bantering wonderfully with White Rabbit, Alex was superb involving the audience in some witty mind-reading games, whilst Ruby Truelove performed a couple of beautiful and tasteful burlesque routines.
Lili la Scala
Silent clown Kiki Lovechild was on wonderful form, with a weather routine and a marvellously inventive one entitled “Chapeugraphy”.
Below the String were everywhere, from storming about the foyer and garden with kazoos and mini drum kit, and in the auditorium a surreally hysterical song. This was a terrific evening’s entertainment on a very warm evening. Well done to everyone, and my thanks to all the acts and artists, Norwich Arts Centre, and of course Gossamer Thread’s Vaudeville Co.
Below the String
Below the String and Earl Harlem
Below the String
Daisy Black
Gossamer Thread’s
CURIOUSER & CURIOUSER….Tumble down the rabbit hole for a night of Wonderland inspired cabaret, hosted by the inimitable Queen of Hearts, Lili La Scala…
“There are few people who have not yet been exposed to some sort of cabaret act in recent years, so much so that the scene is in danger of becoming tired, or worse yet, boring. This evening’s entertainment brought new hope. … The finale brought goosebumps and wide eyes from all watching and was a fabulous end to an amazing evening.” Outline Online Magazine
“Quite simply the best show in town.” Mark Gracey, Future Radio
“Pure, fun escapism from our 21st century world and superb entertainment from beginning to end.” Norwich Blog
Dress as if you’ve fallen down the rabbit hole, had tea with the Queen of Hearts and fought the Jabberwocky. Dance til late to the dulcet tones of DJ Earl Harlem.
**FEATURING**
the extraordinary talents of
***LILI LA SCALA***
She won your hearts at Curious Cabaret, now the Queen of Hearts returns as host!
“Impeccable…mesmerising…perfect” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Metro
‘The Songbird of Trafalgar Square’ has been delighting audiences worldwide since she finished her training at one of London’s top conservatoires. Lili is a renowned cabaret and burlesque hostess, having hosted shows all over the UK, including High Tease, The Burlesque Show, Proud Cabaret, The Wet Spot and many more. She has also been in much demand the world over for her stylish solo shows, including her five star Edinburgh Fringe show ‘Another F*cking Variety Show.’“Ravishing retro glamour…unmissable” ★ ★ ★ ★ The Telegraph
***KIKI LOVECHILD***
A favourite on the London cabaret circuit, Kiki is a multi-skilled silent clown, drawing upon his training and experience in a variety of skill-sets, including mime, physical theatre, puppetry, illusion, escapology and more. He has enjoyed sell-out runs of his one-man show at Brighton Fringe Festival.
“I am amazed … really, you had to be there!” BBC
“Kiki is quite simply one of the most creative and exciting cabaret artists out there.” Vivacity Bliss, producer of Cabaret Roulette
***RUBY TRUELOVE***
Oozing vintage glamour and cool-exotica, Ruby Truelove is a pure bohemian muse. Formerly one half of the internationally acclaimed burlesque and pin-up duo Cherry and Ruby, the solo star embraces a unique style mixing a filmic narrative with bygone showgirl panache to dramatic effect!
“Brilliant!” Cafe De Paris – London
***GOSSAMER THREAD’S VAUDEVILLE CO.***
All new acts from…
Daisy Black – Aerial artiste, razor blade swallower and spinner of flaming hoops.
Alex McAleer – Moustachioed mind-reading maverick.
“They are exceptionally talented at what they do… They innately seem to understand the alchemy of telling a story onstage… Their work is innovative and familiar, exciting and emotional, and utterly wonderful to watch.” – Vivacity Bliss, producer of Cabaret Roulette
***BELOW THE STRING***
Resident musical mischief-makers return with an all-new ditty to beguile, enthral and amuse.
FACEBOOK:www.facebook.com/GossamerThreadVaudeville
TWITTER: @thedaisyblack @alexreadsminds @VaudevilleCo
Upon leaving the Arts Centre I bumped into some friends and we decided to head down to Bedfords Crypt for the Wayward Natives 2 : Afro, Calypso, Funk. This venue also had a good sized crowd turn up for some very fine music. After a while though the heat forced us outside into the very chilled out courtyard area, before later heading up the road to Gonzo’s Tea Room. I have to say, this was a super surprise of a venue, great tunes being spun and plenty of comfy seats around to chat in a friendly atmosphere. Really enjoyable evening.
Wayward Natives at a very atmospheric Bedfords Crypt
words and photos, richard shashamane 2014
@RShashamane
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