The Melba Spiegeltent can be a cramped affair, but thankfully tonight they’ve rearranged things. It says “Cabaret” on the door, and the collection of modestly lit, small tables around the thrust stage certainly gives an impression of a cabaret club from 20s Weimar Berlin. Sure, we’re in Collingwood, but the After Hours Live Band is playing carnal jazz, and a City Lights Chaplin-esque figure is clowning through and for the audience, it’s intoxicating.
Tash York handles the crowd well and the advice is to prepare for what we least expect. And, you know, she was right: A feather fan-wielding T-Rex, twerking harder than the impact of the asteroid that ended the Cretaceous period, was not what anyone expected, and that’s what makes After Hours Cabaret Club so wonderful.
In the space of two acts, I went from cheering Elle Diablo’s skill with a blade to weeping at Liberté la Femme’s artistry and grace (apologies to the photographer crouched at the other end of the room as most of his images will have a ginger-bearded reviewer sitting opposite, mouth agape, but Liberté’s performance was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen).
Everyone at the club were all so beautiful. And hilarious. And entertaining as all heck. And this is just a smattering of the artists that will be performing in the club throughout Fringe. Don’t miss out!
After Hours Cabaret Club
The Melba Spiegeltent, Johnston Street, Collingwood
Performance: Sunday 27 August 2017 – 8.30pm
Information: www.afterhourscabaretclub.com
After Hours Cabaret Club at Melbourne Fringe
Wonderland Spiegeltent, 699 La Trobe Street, Docklands
Season: 14 – 30 September 2017 (check dates for performance times)
Information and Bookings: www.melbournefringe.com.au
Image: After Hours Cabaret Club (supplied)
Review: David Collins