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For the fans: An Evening Without Kate Bush at Underbelly Boulevard

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I’m not a fan of Kate Bush. But as Sarah-Louise Young in her show An Evening Without Kate Bush says, that’s ok. She appears, initially illuminated only by a red lamp, dressed in black, and moving across the stage in the style of Kate Bush. Or given that I’m not a fan or that familiar with her works, what I would assume Kate Bush might do if she had full run of the Underbelly Boulevard theatre. It’s evocative and a little bit funny. But soon it becomes clear that this is a show for the fans of anything out there. Be they Kate Bush fish (what the fans call themselves), friends of fish or foes. Ultimately, it’s a show about how music is often the soundtrack to our lives, capturing the spirit of being a performer, a fan and being alive. It’s currently playing at the Underbelly Boulevard .  This wasn’t my first evening without Kate Bush. A little over four years ago, I saw Ms Young writhe about the stage, gaze at the audience, and drag the odd audience member on stage as she recounted h...

Hopes for 2017: The Doppel Gang @tristanbatestheatre



Things I am hopeful about for theatre this year after catching The Doppel Gang at the Tristan Bates Theatre:

More shows featuring the music, drama and comedy of music hall. 

The Mother Goose panto at Wilton's last year gave a few quick flashes of music hall style with a few numbers. Here this show is set in the pre-television era where an evening's entertainment is a night out at the theatre. It's a lost art that could do with being resurrected.

More borrowing of classic comedy sketches that don't involve Monty Python. 

There is a Faulty Towers Live show that is winding its way around Australia as part of John Cleese's pension plan. But there are is plenty of other comedy that could be recreated, borrowed, or repurposed. The Marx Brothers are a case in point.

Unfortunately while the Doppel Gang includes these two elements, there is an awful lot of moody drama between jokes. There is also the tired premise of a struggling (this time it's a theatre troupe) during the blitz. Perhaps it is time the war is left to Remembrance Day as we are not doing it any favours evoking it in the the theatre.

The moody drama and occasional loud explosions make the piece too confusing to follow. It also dilutes the comic potential (and any originality) of the material.

With it's elbaroate set it is a slick looking production from the Just Some Theatre Company. The company was founded by Jake Urry and Peter Stone who feature in the piece. But mis-timed performances and a muddled plot make for a bewildering night at the theatre.

Directed by Terence Man, The Doppel Gang runs at the Tristan Bates Theatre until 11 February.



In the meantime you can always see the real Marx Brothers online...

⭐︎⭐︎

Photo credit: Mitchell Reeve

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