The Soho Theatre brings back Sheep Soup’s religious parody musical, having played for a limited run in the West End fringe scene before returning to the Edinburgh Festival. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if this dazzling piece made for the masses is good enough to come a-cross.
What else speaks better on behalf of the Soho spirit than clandestine organised religion? You’re hooked already, aren’t you? Of course you are! Because that is, in fact, all that we actually need. In a land plagued with condescending sceptics and obnoxious little girls throwing chairs at nail salons’ windows (that isn’t a joke, it happened yesterday!), the solution to such a complex reality has nonetheless been standing high up on its heels all this time: it’s God – the God of Camp, that is.
Forget the virgins (ticked that square, *smirk*, a while ago), and send Xenu back to the Sea Organisation (or the Cruise one…). The real thing doesn’t come from outer space, nor does it need you to kneel before him (though maybe, after). Welcome to House of Life, a stage seminar taking the word divine to a whole new level (and closer to heaven than you’ll ever be, even on a happy-hour twink night). Developed by Ben Welch and Laurence Cole (who, respectively – thanks, Grammarly-) portray the RaveRend (sub-tlel-ty) and his loyal recently-converted lapdog, Trev, the show takes us through all the necessary steps to leave the grief that haunts and hurdles our everyday, and look into a grander, brighter, 20-cm-long future… I just meant I like things I can grasp quickly – oh, just forget it…
Performed with infectious stamina, electrifying presence, and an irresistible comedy bone, the piece is the ultimate example of a fun, feel-good spectacle with no more pretensions other than bringing a nice dose of joy to their audiences. And gosh, do they succeed in their duty… There’s basically no down moments during the whole rendition, nor a second to spare without a laugh. It is an absolute blast from start to finish. And despite a few minor glitches in its concoction, the general vibe is fairly close to a complete product.
There’s literally everything you would expect (and even more you probably won’t) in a montage bringing drag onto the altar – not that there’s a huge difference in the first place… From beautifully delivered and extremely catchy musical numbers (the title song is going to stick with me longer than dense custard sticks to your palate… you’re a pig, you know that?) to impressive interactive sections with the audience (don’t bother looking for a strategic seat not to be approached – a priest is a priest, after all…), the production exudes such incredibly refreshing energy, which you’ll truly find impossible not to be taken by in the end.
The only problem comes from its sole dramatic component. An uplifting show that originated as an escape mechanism for its creators, it’s understandable that such circumstances are referenced within the narrative. But despite that element being the seed of the entire recount, it still looks a little abrupt and slightly out of place – at least, in the way it’s presented. Of course, it must be acknowledged that a Edinburgh Fringe-bound production has a one-hour limit, but this is a flaw that should be revised upon completing its run – as it’s possibly the exception preventing it from, within the bounds of its genre, being an impeccable piece.
That’s not an issue, in any case, for the aftertaste of what eventually is a much savoury dish of entertainment. Sure – you won’t leave the theatre finding yourself transformed by this experience; or, as a matter of fact, that’s exactly how you’ll feel, and even way beyond. Because there’s no stronger, more precious sensation that that rare rush of excitement, where the rest of the world fades away for a few moments, and your only worry suddenly becomes the reason for your enjoyment.
You will learn about egg-chicken philosophy, how to deal with those infuriating douches standing on the wrong side of the escalator (*people are friends, not punching bags; people are friends, not punching bags*) and how to make our dreams of enjoying a hot hunk on the Caribbean beach come (no pun intended) true – I was asked about my purpose in life, I responded… And finally, we’ll be reminded of the importance of taking things less seriously, and fighting the hardships of the world with a smile. In some surprising way, we can say that this is, by all means, the first cult that offers genuine salvation. You will exit praising the Lord – and folks, this won’t be Andrew Lloyd Webber!
House of Life will play at the Edinburgh Fringe from 1 to 25 August. Tickets are available on the following link.