Sonning’s Mill Theatre hosts this new cabaret tribute to the lives of some of the icons that defined (and changed) the path of showbusiness forever. Guillermo Nazara shares his thoughts about this dinner-show experience, to let us know if this is the work of a Karen or a prima donna.
Please, sir, may I have some more? No, I wasn’t quoting Oliver!. Gosh – I wish I could say I starved to death last night, but the food kept coming in and my mouth just wouldn’t close… Though that would not be the only time I’ve had trouble keeping it shut… I meant I’m opinionated – you, d*ck! No pun intended… Anyway, if you’ve ever ventured into the outskirts of London (no, I don’t mean Brixton), you may have been tempted to explore the picturesque charm that exudes through the intricate landscapes of beautiful Sonning.
Passed its old bridge, a vivid explosion of green and blue unravels, surrounding a relatively small venue, that nonetheless grants its visitors (locals and outsiders alike) with a big offer of night entertainment. Welcome to the Mill Theatre. Built on an actual (and still functional) watermill, this intimate auditorium is also home to a rustic-style restaurant famed for its signature dishes. Its popularity, in this regard, is not difficult to understand – offering a more than varied and succulent menu (you’ll be wisely recommended to try their renowned beef pie); apart from a bit of pre-show amusement if you’re able to spy on George Clooney’s house from its top floor’s windows. It’s true there’s quite of a bunch of trees covering the property, but you’re not obliged to believe in ecologism… So, you know…
After indulging in more than a few savoury treats, the 8:15 pm bell tolls as their new late July’s show emerges onstage. This a story of seven stories. Seven lives. Seven women. The women that defined an era. And whose era defined their art. From Marilyn Monroe to Dusty Springfield, Dazzling Divas is a musical homage to the icons that music and film lifted to prominence – blessing them with stardom, and cursing them with a shattered life. Written and performed by Issy van Randwyck, this intimate cabinet of confidence narrates the rise and fall of some of the most important 20th-century performers (soon turned to legends) through song and a bit of fun-fact storytelling.
Counting on a small band comprising keys, drums, counterbass and guitars, van Radwyck pays good honour to her idolized figures through her quite satisfactory vocals. However, this is probably the only highlight of the entire show, as the rest of the production lacks the soul that emanates though the melodies of its, otherwise, much pleasing repertoire. Though obviously putting her whole heart into her interpretation, this does not translate to her delivery as a host, since the speech snippets usually sound too insipid and played robotically – recurringly, missing the allure and ease of manner expected (and required) in an emcee.
The piece needs, in fact, to find a general plotline to follow through – something that actually drives the entire show as a whole, more than going through the anecdotes and (incredibly sad) endings that honed the lives of its characters. With a second act slightly better staged than the first one, the overall vibe is, anyhow, of a not too well delivered setting, perhaps because there has not been enough thought (and time) put into it. On the other hand, although the band is able to play the score almost impeccably from a technical perspective, they suffer from a similar problem when it comes to its emotional value. The global impression is, sadly, more of an uninspired rendition and misunderstanding of its, contradictorily, rather passionate music.
Dazzling Divas is a nice first step, but there’s still a long way through until it develops the ability to appease – let alone, dazzle. We can’t intend to be flamboyant just because that’s the subject we’ve chosen – we must actually prepare to allure and mesmerize in the same manner (even greater) than those we are reverencing, but also taking advantage from. An icon is defined by their unparalleled skill to infatuate and surprise passed every audience’s assumptions. A tribute should do the same – as it’s not a matter of depicting, but captivating. Including that term in the title is a good start, but definitely not enough to make it divine.
All pictures credit to Andreas Lambis.
Dazzling Divas plays at Sonning’s Mill Theatre until 29 July. Tickets are available on the following link.