Spiegel’esque - A Theatrical Cabaret Sensation

This production might just be the theatrical incarnation of the proverb that good things come in small packages.

Squeezing into the gorgeous antique Spiegel Zelt, that we were told narrowly missed being pulverized by a bomb during World War Two, the expectation was for a small cast performing a cosy night of cabaret.

The first surprise is that a cast of nine talented tap dancers, singers and aerialists go full throttle on the small stage and narrow spaces between the seats for over two hours. Their exuberance, skill and svelte bodies made sure there was always something to look at. Being so close in small tent made it feel extravagant.

The tent is pitched in the middle of the Italian Forum Piazza in the Sydney inner-western suburb of Leichhardt which is a delicious setting for patrons keen on grabbing some pizza before or after.

The master of ceremonies is the diminutive Wayne Scott Kermond, loaded with a light German accent.

Wayne (or Vayne ) shows a naughtier side to his show business personality than audiences have seen in recent times. He spars and flirts with members of the audience, ad libbing with razor sharpness. While it veers on the corny side, the audience often roared its approval.

The production is pitched as an unashamed return to variety, a form of theatre that has become less popular during the 21^stcentury. True to the word the acts tapped into a wide variety of musical genres, from classic show music to 1980’s pop classics and even an energetic spoof on Riverdance.

There is another big surprise in this production which makes your jaw drop, but we are sworn to secrecy. It is an oldie but a goodie – which best sums up this show.

David Spicer

Photographer: Michael Brindley