It’s a show-stopper of a cabaret

Club Cabaret — Let the night seduce you Centrepoint Theatre, Palmerston North, to September 8, 2018 by Mary Bryan

This is an absolute showstopper — definitely worth travelling to Palmerston North to see, even on a cold wintry night.

A five-star plus production, it is a cabaret unlike any I have seen before. A mixture of song, magic, physic readings, juggling and circus style acrobatics. I could easily see it again.

Anticipation runs high as soon as you enter the theatre — everyone is smiling when seated, no doubt due to MC and ticket taker, Dan Pengelly.

Nothing though prepared me for the quality of the show that followed.

In my 45 years of reviewing, including New Zealand International Arts Festivals, Club Cabaret is one the most impressive and enjoyable productions I have seen. Each of the six performers is outstanding.

Eve Gordon, creator and company director of Dust Palace, is a physical theatre and aerial circus performer, producer and actor. Mike Edward is also a co-director of Dust Palace. His credits also include theatre, television and film roles. Their performance in Club Cabaret has the entire audience on the edge of their seats.

Darlene Mohekey, a professional singer, director, musical director and award-winning actress holds everyone’s attention in her rendition of songs from Carmen to numbers by American country and western singer Daisy, a Ma¯ ori boy rapper and finally as Marilyn Monroe .

Lizzie Tollemache, a side show stunt woman, theatre maker and creative director of Rollicking Entertainment, performs around the world. One of the show’s many highlights is her sausage balloon number.

David Ladderman, a circus performer and actor, opens the show with amazing juggling. Throughout this act he keeps up a non-stop patter often reflecting his observation of the audience’s reaction. Later he performs magic and an impressive balancing number.

Musician Kane Parsons and the set/lighting design by Sean Coyle enhance the professionalism of this show.