The Glitter and Doom Salon with Jennifer Kingwell is like a bag of Allen’s Party Mix lollies. An assortment of colourful performers from cabaret to acrobatics to a very strange cat themed burlesque routine that I can never un-see. Hosted by a glitter covered Jennifer, the show starred a cast of diverse performers who had all been handpicked from around the world. Jennifer was a bubbly delight as she performed a lovely Tom Waits tribute in between performers. Showing in the gorgeous, 100 year old dimly lit Spiegel Zelt venue in Gluttony, the 1920’s style decor complimented the cabaret numbers perfectly.
The show kicked off with YouTube sensation and Hula Hoop master, Lisa Lottie who made me feel completely talentless. Most of the tricks she performed with her hoops, I had never seen before and I have seen a lot of circus and physical theatre in my times. Lisa is also performing in Showtime at this year ‘s Fringe which runs from the 18th – 19th February.
The standout of the night was cabaret performer Bradley Storer, who Jennifer referred to as ‘The Dark Princeling of Cabaret”. Their duet of Nick Cave and PJ Harvey‘s ‘Henry Lee’ was dark and haunting but simply beautiful. Bradley’s solo number about a one night stand was the most romantic performance of an unromantic song and had the audience in stitches. Bradley’s solo show Trickster is showing at La Boheme from 18th – 19th February which I would highly recommend seeing.
The last guest performer was Melbourne based circus strong woman, Hannah Cryle who performed a traditional silk routine … but using chains instead of silks. I know what you are thinking right, ouchies! But Hannah’s incredible upper body strength and flexibility made it look easy as she spun and flipped around in the air dressed in a colorful outfit to a pounding rock song. Hannah is also performing a solo show, The Lonliest Number from 18th Feb – 19th March at the Spiegel Zelt venue in Gluttony.
The Glitter and Doom Salon with Jennifer Kingwell is showing at the Spiegel Zelt in Gluttony from 18th February – 19th February. To purchase tickets click here.
We rate: ★★★ 3/5 stars
Image: supplied
