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I went without high expectations; the show had sounded low-budget and silly from the promotional material. And not even the Space Vixens did anything to shatter this illusion. The entire show revolves around fetish-wear and double entendres. It is not, as some had whispered, the new Rocky Horror Picture Show. It is seedy, tedious and trivial. It isn't even, as I am sure was the intention, risqui in this age. I knew the costumes reminded me of something, and halfway through the second act, it came to me. The designer had obviously been watching kids' TV, and simply copied the attire of the crew of that super-rabbit Captain Bucky O'Hare. The set tries to astound us with glitter, but looks decidedly tarnished. The Space Vixens attempt to solve crime with (ooh!) the healing power of disco, whilst we learn of four love stories (two involving gay couples, but then who is going to raise an eyebrow at that anyway?). I was disappointed and depressed; this is not the kind of addition the West End needs. And then I was invited by a friend to see Kat and the Kings at the Vaudeville. Where Saucy Jack is a seedy romp, Kat and the Kings is genuine, fresh, invigorating fun. The show is is an export from South Africa, set in 1950's Cape Town. Told in partial flashback, the plot revolves around a group of friends who form a quartet, and despite their race, play white-only venues and enjoy relative success before splitting up. This has wider implications for their mixed-raced district. The show gets the balance right. It does not try to dwell too much on poignancy, but still communicates the prejudice and injustice of the racist regime excellently. The music fits the youthful exuberance of the show perfectly, and I defy anyone who sees it not to come out feeling, well, joyous! The cast attacks a difficult subject with real energy, which, quite frankly, could not be put to better use. The singing and dancing are both of a very high standard. Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens will probably either fold within the next few months, or run for years. The same may well apply to Kat and the Kings. But it isn't quantity that matters; its quality. See you in a fortnight! - Alex | |
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