Part circus, part cabaret and all Irish charm, Riot comes all the way from Ireland for this year’s Sydney Festival.
It’s a variety show, with singers, comedians, an acrobat and a poet. And, of course, some Irish dancers. The show rambles along, feeling a little bit lengthy for its 90 mins. The transitions from act to act are a little clunky, and there’s a sense the show needs more time to flourish in the space.
The dancing brothers and the singing chorus are both highlights. Drag Queen Panti Bliss delivers a fantastic monologue about Farrah Fawcett, but looks bored throughout the rest of the show. Disappointing. Bonus points for fabulous shoes, though.
The Irish tap dancing pair were the standout, even with the bizarre balloon bit. They were all sass and sparkle.
Overall, it was entertaining in parts, but the show order had some odd choices and it needed to be much more slick to hold our attention.
Running at the Magic Mirrors Speigeltent, Hyde Park, until 28 January.
Alana Kaye – Theatre Now
