Tag: comedy show

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REVIEW: NewsRevue – Canal Cafe Theatre

 đŸŽ­ NewsRevue
📍 Canal Cafe Theatre
🎟️ Gifted
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Last week, I was invited to watch NewsRevue, one of the longest-running live comedy shows. It’s been on for 45 years, and this was my first visit!

The fast-paced show features a selection of sketches and parody songs, all revolving around current affairs. Under the fun and slick direction of Mo Bangura, this talented & enthusiastic cast of four – Badrika Baluch, Alexander Christofi, Karishma Friers & Nico Koch – were absolutely brilliant. They delivered an endless amount of energy, quick wit and wonderful chemistry. It felt like we were watching seasoned comedy performers. Imagine my surprise to learn some of them are recent graduates!!

The show mainly focuses on satire; most jokes may require you to be up to date with the news, chronically online or a reality TV watcher like myself (spot on Love Island sketches btw!), the show can still be enjoyed by everyone. I have to say the political gags land perfectly. They were sharp and tongue in cheek; some jokes sway so close to the truth, that you’ll laugh and nod in recognition. The jokes are plenty, and so fast you may even miss them. There was a scarily accurate Trump impression and a wonderfully weird (and cheeky) interpretation of Paddington Bear, which left us giggling.

Along with their fantastic comedy skills, the musical numbers really stood out to me. Accompanied by musical director Rohan Godfrey, the cast impresses with their strong vocals and comedic timing. I enjoyed this element of the show, especially for its creativity. Corbyn singing about his new party, a parody about doomscrolling, performed to Justin Timberlake’s What Goes Around (whose idea was it to get the ukulele out ). And my absolute highlight? The Hamilton medley! I was already won over, but that medley may be the reason I return to this incredible show.

What makes NewsRevue so unique is that the material is updated every week, with new sketches and jokes, about whatever’s happening in the world. Bangura’s direction makes great use of the small stage, with slick transitions and minimal props. From start to finish, I was locked in – so much so that when the show ended, I turned to the people next to me and asked, “Is there a second act?” I truly wished it had gone on for another hour!

I don’t tend to talk about the venues in my reviews, but I’d love to mention how charming the Canal Cafe Theatre was. Opposite Little Venice, the theatre and pub downstairs, was very cosy and welcoming. Friendly staff, great vibes, and I felt so comfortable attending as a solo audience member.

It was refreshing to see such a diverse cast and creative team, bringing their talents to such a renwnwed comedy show. Karishma, Nico, Badrika and Alexander were not only hilarious individually but together, had fantastic chemistry. I’m proud to have seen them for my first NewsRevue visit, and it won’t be the last!

The amazing thing is that the show is updated every week, with new sketches and jokes. If you fancy an evening of laughter, with sharp comedy and a fun cast, check out NewsRevue!
It’s playing at Canal Cafe Theatre until 30 August.

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REVIEW: Reuben Kaye: The Butch is Back – Southbank Centre

🎭 Reuben Kaye: The Butch is Back
📍Purcell Room, Southbank Centre
🎟️ PR invite
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Reuben Kaye: The Butch is Back at Southbank Centre is a cabaret stand-up comedy extravaganza that takes audiences on a journey through the life of this Australian sensation.

Through a blend of song, adult jokes and witty one-liners, Reuben shares the story of his upbringing as a young queer boy in Melbourne in this comedy performance. We also have an exploration of the nuanced relationships between father and sons. 

Dubbed the Christopher Nolan of Cabaret, we are treated to exciting renditions of popular songs from The Rolling Stones, Geri Halliwell and Stormzy, sung wonderfully by Reuben. The bold use of lighting design creates a captivating atmosphere during the show. Those striking hues of red emphasise Reuben’s statement entrance as enters the stage, in a Marie Antoinette-inspired costume. 

 â€˜The Butch is Back’ takes us through various timelines of Reuben’s life. There is a myriad of adult content throughout, and even audience interaction, some of which was improvised and flowed well with the show.  

Photo by Holly Jackson

Reuben’s quick-wit and great comic timing shine throughout Act 1, with fast-paced jokes about British politics and the monarchy. I initially struggled with the lack of linear structure in the first act, while Act 2 felt more cohesive. The show delves into relationships between fathers and sons, portraying Reuben’s journey from childhood to cabaret stardom. Reuben also acknowledges growing up queer and being a drag act.

Backed by a fantastic band led by musical director, Shannon D.Whitelock, the show seamlessly blends jazz, soul, and rock, which I adored. Kaye’s vocals and musical versatility were a standout and I couldn’t wait to hear more! Amidst the adult jokes and occasional audience interaction, I found that the music did incredibly well in enhancing the storytelling.

The show had a good balance between humour and serious moments, particularly in the second act as the show reveals vulnerable moments drawn from Reuben’s personal experiences. The honesty and authenticity displayed by Reuben, particularly in the childhood stories and memories of his father, contribute to a mesmerising performance. 

While I think the show could benefit from being one act, the humour, raw emotion, glamorous outfits and Reuben’s natural stage presence, makes ‘The Butch is Back’ a must-see.

Reuben Kaye: The Butch is Back is playing at Southbank Centre until 30 December 2023!

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Clementine – VAULT Festival

🎭 Clementine
📍 VAULT Festival – Network Theatre
🎫 PR invite
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

As I walked into Network Theatre for ‘Clementine’, Lady Gaga’s banger, Judas, played – a strong sign that I was going to love this show!

The story

Written and performed by Rosalie Minnitt, ‘Clementine’ is a one-woman musical comedy about a young woman’s quest to find love. The time period of the show isn’t defined, but it takes place ‘in the past’ (The costumes were giving Bridgerton vibes!) 

We meet Lady Clementine (Minnitt), a single 26-year-old, desperate to find the love of her life. Lady Clementine fears if she isn’t married before her birthday, she will end up like her spinster Aunt Lauren. We learn all about Lady Clementine’s previous partners, including one who lost his head and the latest beau who has gone missing. We follow her on a hilarious, eccentric, musical journey to solve the mystery of her ill fortune with love. But perhaps she has been searching for it in all the wrong places…

My thoughts

Described as ‘Gen Z’s ode to womanhood’, Minnitt has created a funny, feel-good show, packed with cultural references that fitted perfectly with the story. Enthusiastic direction from Tristan Robinson and Alison Middleton resulted in nonstop laughter during the performance. Lady Clementine pranced, paraded and even spouted water across the stage.

Minnitt maintained such high energy and portrayed various supporting characters including her unfortunate housekeeper, Jackie and the guardian angel flemish DJ. The show was certainly interactive, with willing members of the audience reading letters and even participating in onstage raves. Minnitt is a fantastic performer and a talented comedy writer. I loved how skillfully they bounced off the audience and held our attention for the entire show. Even in the moments when Lady Clementine was offstage, the video projections added the funniest context to the story. The constant puns paired with Minnett’s impeccable comic timing made this show a total delight.

Honor Halford-MacLeod incorporated several musical melodies during the show. We even got an interpretive dance to Beyonce’s Alien Superstar. And who doesn’t love a mid-show ballad? As the audience waved their flameless candles that were placed on the seats, Lady Clementine serenaded us with ‘Guide Me, Stars’ – a song I personally think should be on Spotify.


Amongst the hilarity, the show ends with an empowering high, leaving us happy for Lady Clementine and her newfound (self) love. The hour went by quickly and I was left grinning from what we just watched. Clementine is so much fun – it’s lively, it’s quirky and certainly empowering!

Rosalie Minnett is a comedy star in the making and I can’t wait for what they do next!