Review of ‘WAKE’: “The dawn of utmost showmanship”

The THISISPOPBABY company arrives in the West End with their flagship show – bringing an assortment of cabaret numbers coated with an Irish flavour. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if this celebration of folklore and spectacle manages to too-ra-loo-ra lure its viewers.

What’s the purpose of life? I keep asking myself the same question every time I do my taxes – reminding me every year that there really is no God. What I didn’t expect, however, was for that theme to be brought up in a cabaret show that blends elements of Irish culture with a rave party. But they did – through verses, and music, and stunts, and dance. It had everything any other spectacle of the kind would have offered. And yet, for some reason, it managed to feel like, if not the first, the most unique encounter with this genre.

Welcome to WAKE, a bombastic montage landing on the West End for one week only before resuming its tour. It all starts with a funeral. Someone is gone – and that calls for a celebration  (I keep thinking that’s what some sore producers will do when my time comes…). As sordid as this may sound, the piece actually reunites us with a wholesome philosophy: the idea of passing away not regarded as a tragedy, but instead, an opportunity to reflect on the beauty of life.

Using that notion as its guiding thread, the production assembles a compelling variety act, mixing moments of stirring insightfulness with others of complete, unrestrained absurdity. It works remarkably well – creating a cadence that, passed its slow-burning opening, holds a powerful grip on the viewer – and strikes them with bewilderment and emotion all the way through.

There are so many crafts that are presented, and all of them are executed with utmost deftness. From the anticipated Irish tap to aerial contortionism, added to both vocal and instrumental renditions, the work flaunts excellence in basically every aspect of its artistry.

Technically flawless for most of the part, there is a lyrical force that touches every angle of the work. From its heartfelt lines (penned with a superb use of internal rhymes and alliterations) to the visual poetry that each number is concocted with, all its elements perform hand in hand to underpin an ongoing sense of pathos – which never compromises the fun, uplifting general vibe of the material.

This is not a show to be changed by. Regardless of the poignant subject it explores, there’s just as much that can be done through a melange of poling, bum-stuck tassels, and aspiring DJ chavs. But apart from an incredibly uplifting night, you will be touched, thrilled, and even wowed by a production that clearly tries its very best to raise the quality in everything that it offers. It displays nothing but pure theatrical awe in its essence. And that’s such an oddity in today’s landscape, it’s too much of a luxury for audiences to let go of.

Read our interview with the creative team here!

All pictures credit to Ruth Medjber.

WAKE plays at London’s Peacock Theatre until 5 April. Tickets are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara