Bigmouth Strikes Again (The Smiths Show)

Salty Brine is a cyclone of talent who whirls together music, memoir and literary history in a way which almost defies description.  It’s a heady mix of out their camp cabaret, humour and serious anecdote.

Resplendent in a fur lined cape, Brine sheds one glittering layer after another – prowling into the audience to eyeball individuals.

For ninety minute he is at full throttle only stopping for a brief sip from a wine glass.

Brine’s cabaret series adopt a particular band or artist, and he gender bends it to a story that is often unrelated to the music.

For this cabaret his soundscape was The Smiths’ 1981 Album The Queen is Dead.   

Described as post punk, the tight rock grungy sound of the group was spectacularly reproduced by Salty and his crew led by pianist Emily Whitacker on a glass grand.

His glam rock voice gave The Smiths' pop songs a greater theatrical flair than fans might be used to.

There was only a small mention of one band member - a brief critique of the lead Morrissey’s controversial views on immigration.

The music is the platform for storytelling.

One of themes was the history of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The portrayal of Shelley’s heartbreak and journey to creating the monster novel was both fascinating and moving.

It reached a crescendo when passages from the book were read out from a scene on a mountain.

Interspersed with Frankenstein were anecdotes from Salty’s own life.  This included the sad but familiar story of being bullied at school for being gay.

For my liking some of the descriptions of sexual entanglements were in the too much information department.

But overall, this is a story of a triumph.  Would he f…k any of those school yard bullies now living lives of drudgery – absolutely yes.

Once he recognised his own talent as a young man there has been no turning back.

The Wharf One has been transformed into a glamourous looking cabaret venue. Pictures of past events from the Festival’s 50-year history.   There is a cool bar in the corner and table seating with elegant lamps.

Brine’s high voltage performance flickers and sparks.

David Spicer

Photographer: Harry Elletson

The season was cancelled after opening night due to “unforeseen circumstances.”