The American drag queen returns to the London stage with this new act blending Kate Chopin’s The Awakening plot with his own personal journey as a gay teenager. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if this camp cabaret adaptation of the literary classic ends up blowing in an undesired way.
If you’re into the art of drag, chances are there’s a cocky diva in you desperate to get out. So remember to loosen up – nobody likes a tight *sshole. You may also be familiar with the lack of quality more than a few performers in this genre flaunt when singing. You know what? Let’s not be mild about it – they’re f*cking sh*t. That’s why it’s so refreshing to find not only somebody who can hit every note in perfect pitch, while regaling us with his sharp wit and an evening of camp spectacle and cultural entertainment.
But today it’s not me that we are discussing. Yet, all of those boxes are ticked anyhow. You’ve guessed right (the title helped too, so don’t get big headed about it… smirk…). Salty Brine has returned to the London scene, back again at the Soho Theatre for an extremely short run – in other words, a quickie. But that doesn’t matter. Whatever (or whoever) you have to do – make sure you spare some time to come watch this absolute tour de force.
I wasn’t surprised by the artistic calibre of the piece. Two years ago, I was already taken by Brine’s enthralling cabaret rendition of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Literary classics are a key component of his brand as a performer. Yet, they are just one of the many reasons he stands out in this exquisite melange of laughter, showmanship, and soulfulness.
Titled These Are The Contents of My Head, this new act brings Kate Chopin’s 19th-century novel, The Awakening, to the stage – wrapped under a glittering coat of Annie Lennox and Judy Garland anthems, and mixed with his own personal experiences as a gay boy coming to terms with his sexuality and his parents’ recent divorce.
It’s a triumph in every possible aspect. It features beautifully sung numbers driven by his signature stamina. And all of them are accompanied by impeccable arrangements – combining brass, strings, and a sassy MD-pianist who isn’t shy about how much he enjoys the spotlight; especially, when he has the opportunity to play a cantankerous b*tch.
The team does an excellent job altogether. Their chemistry, as well as their commitment and passion for what they are doing, is extremely palpable. Every musical piece is executed with complete deftness. And if any live mistakes occur, Salty Brine’s naturalness on the boards can only make of an error a most welcome addition.
What’s truly extraordinary about this creation, however, is the level of pathos it so effortlessly draws out. At no moment will you stop roaring thanks to his saucy jokes (either scripted or improvised) – and may I say, don’t bother sitting in the back, there’s simply no way out of it. But despite the continuous giggling, you’ll be touched too – please don’t ruin it…
It doesn’t take long for the viewer to be fully invested in his portrayal – and to do so past its flamboyant facade. The poignancy he achieves, combined with the intimacy and sincerity he brings along all throughout, is what makes the show so special – and definitely worthwhile. It keeps the fun high at every second. But the electricity that fuels it stems from the wistful resonance it so masterfully projects.
It’s time to get those asses moving. And once you’re done, have yourself a different type of break, as you delve into this uplifting statement of freedom, love, and self-acceptance. If you’re looking for an easy, feel-good night out, your wish shall be granted in spades. If you’re fancying something on a slightly more elevated level, your expectations will be exceeded. The Contents of My Head is more likely to transfer to your heart and be stored in there permanently. You will love his authenticity and avoidance of pulling any punches back. And surely, you will appreciate his versatility – from top to bottom.
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All pictures credit to Da Ping Luo.
Salty Brine: These Are The Contents of My Head plays at London’s Soho Theatre until 26 April. Tickets are available on the following link.