A packed QueenDome on a Saturday Edinburgh Festival night, and a huge line-up. Plus, of course, Lili, who I'll get to later. We were late starting (actually about 2315) and given the number of acts we went way beyond the allotted time. I'd have happily sat for another couple of hours (okay, with a loo break). Haven't enjoyed a show so much since ... forever.
The line up (*IMPORTANT NOTE - as these artists only have 5 - 8 minutes each then these are hugely abbreviated versions of their full shows*):
- Lady Rizo - absolutely fabulous (intended) cabaret chanteuse. Incredible presence, stunning voice, just recently became a Mum (her Fringe show is actually pretty much about this topic). Great chat and an incredible presence. She did two songs. The first as she made her dramatic entrance was a superb version of "If I Was Your Woman", but her second - "I Google You" - was absolutely stunning, a torch-song for the digital generation. Oh, and she licked my bald head as she was walking down the stairs to the stage, so that was nice. Her use of a member of the audience as a microphone stand was inspired. I want to say more about how good she was but I was more annoyed I couldn't go and see her show at the Fringe.
- Harriet Dyer - I was unsure initially about this act as, for the briefest of moments, I thought I was witnessing a literal mental on-stage breakdown. Eccentric? Yeah ... just a bit. But once I got my bearings it was brilliant - fantastic performance and absolutely hilarious ("How long is my arm?" "A dolphin got on at Taunton ..."). Helped immeasurably by the fact my companion was absolutely ending herself. Brilliant!
- La Poule Plombée - wonderful cabaret from a hugely charismatic performer (ably backed up on the piano). She takes the piss out of Edith Piaf then proceeds to ape her in an incredibly affecting manner. Can't quite remember the songs now but they were brilliant - one was about "baggage" (pronounced as "bag-aj") and how it builds and builds on the carousel of life which was both touching and pertinent.
- The Three Belles - Gosh, The Belles again Mikey? It's almost as if you planned it ... *cough* Yes, the girls were on but only had time in a packed schedule for one song (Seafood Mama). As good as ever, and I got a cheeky wee wink from Gail and Betty Belle so that was all right ... Moving on ...
- Malia Walsh - a rather startlingly good hula-hoop act (she does so much more but only had a short time) who was performing over in the Circus tent. Very charismatic, worked the crowd well, incredible co-ordination and core strength and very entertaining.
- Tom Walker - an odd one this, and possibly the only one of the acts tonight I didn't really "get" (although the packed crowd seemed to love it). He appeared on-stage, all awkward and looking a little geeky (the pished guys opposite me seemed to find this hilarious) and, eventually, launched into an impression of Bon Jovi's keyboard player playing "It's My Life". Which was funny for a minute or so but he played the whole song and, for me, it overstayed its welcome quite a bit. A good act but didn't really work with me ...
- Bettie Bombshell - AT LAST, I finally get to see some tastefully-tasseled female burlesque flesh in the wonderful gyrations of Antipodean Ms. Bombshell. Starting out as a 20s flapper and seguing into all manner of less clothing it was a well-done and charismatic performance.
- The Beatbox Collective - I had already seen these chaps on the Thursday night show and had been surprised how much I enjoyed them. Tonight was no different. Very talented. And in a packed hall (with much ale and wine having been consumed) it didn't take much to GET THE PARTY STARTED (i.e. lots of middle-class repressed people stand up, sway and clap). Really good.
And then, of course, there was Lili. I had seen her act twice before on this trip out so was familiar with it and have written up the previous two shows, but for the record: four frock changes (my favourite is still the sparkly green dress, though the opening split-thigh plus fishnets cream number is not without its charms) and four torch-song reinterpretations of popular songs ("Let Me Entertain You" by Robbie Williams, "The Bad Touch" by The Bloodhound Gang, "Space Oddity" by David Bowie and the "The Importance Of Being Idle" by Oasis). All splendid and all with Lili's trademark posh/mucky sense of humour and style, ably supported by Tom Barnes on the piano. She is, quite simply, magnificent.
If you get a chance to see one of Lili's shows you should go.
ADDENDUM - my companion had pinged Lili earlier via Facebook to ask if she would pose for a selfie with this sad old fat bald man she knew. Lili was more than happy to.
Lili didn't seem to mind too much fortunately ...
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