“Are we safely cocooned within the carefree walls of this crumbling
nightclub – whilst in the exterior something insidious stalks?“
Max Frombeau
4 Strutting Stars
Venue: Old Fitz Theatre (Woolloomooloo) Sydney
Dates : May 27th – June 8th 2025
The occasional guffaws from an upstairs celebratory party coupled with the sounds of the street beyond the dimly lit downstairs theatre created quite the atmosphere of Pigalle by night. Who knew ? – Woolloomooloo doubling for Paris’ redlight district.
Creators and performers Meg Hickey, Iva Rosebud and Jens Radda (also producer) conjure initially a world of mystery where it is not so clear if it is yet showtime. They jest and allude amongst themselves as well as the audience. Soon the milieu bursts and we are treated to frenetic dance, torch songs and quite accomplished musicianship. But we are not alone as a fourth character penetrates the environs – to say what it is would be too much of a spoiler. Suffice it to say Madame Martha has presented themselves.
The musical numbers are lush, ranging from operatic gems through French chanson classics (Piaf, Brel) up to new takes on contemporary tunes along with original songs. The choreography by Darcey Eagle is spot on with numbers exquisitely lit (Megan Heferen). Kudos to Cris Chavez (Technical Operator) who never missed a beat. Costuming (Bryn Meredith) is stunning – flashy, somewhat distressed, evoking the hallmarks of burlesque, the Pierrot and 1980s drag.
Amongst the familiar Parisian tropes in song and dance lurk guttural vocal work, Fosse inspired moves and many a random act of nudity. These are energetic and up-for-it performers indeed.
With typical French ennui the content suggests a world gone to wrack and ruin. Are we safely cocooned within the carefree walls of this crumbling nightclub – whilst in the exterior something insidious stalks? Cabaret with substance should knowingly confuse and give a sense of unease.
I highly recommended this edgy piece of theatre. It is not on for long … so leave your troubles behind and come to the cabaret. It plays nightly Tues – Sat @ 9.15pm and Sundays 7.30pm.
Max Frombeau, Theatre Now
