Bare Productions Online – Reviewed 11 December 2020
Reviewed by Manetta McIntosh
4****
I realise 2020 has been a rough year for most for many reasons, but none so much as the theatre industry. One of the biggest upsets for me was the cancellation of, not just the Fringe, but specifically Bare Productions Priscilla Queen of the Desert. I was so looking forward to it after their smash hit ‘The Addams Family’ last year. But fear not…those cunning young things have utilised their talents and put together a socially distant variety production called Camp as Christmas.
Hosted by the lovely Jo Heinemeier and the equally lovely David Doherty, or as they refer to themselves ‘Jovid’, they not only lay out the programme for the evening (or afternoon, depending on when you stream it) but also keep us amused throughout the programme with some friendly competitions, a la Christmas styli. From ‘who can eat an advent calendar of chocolate the fastest’ to ‘making a nativity with what you have to hand’ – the Babybel cheese was mentioned so much I CANNOT BELIEVE David missed the opportunity to use it in the nativity as….wait for it…the Baby Cheeses. Not forgetting the random parlour games – who knew David would turn out to be a bigger tosser than Jo!!
Although they were not able to put on their Priscilla production, this was still a theme for part of the show. Some of the dancers roped in a ‘bubble’ friend or family member and the non-dancers were put through their paces and performed at the end of the show. The teams were Emma and Rebecca – or ‘the hair sisters’, Freya and Megan – who seem to be in lock-down in a cellar pub, Louisa and Jesse – she’s a dance-mum demon and Stacey and Keith – he didn’t need to underestimate himself, because everyone else did it for him! I wasn’t convinced this was going to work, but it was cleverly edited at the end so that all 4 danced together and was one of my favourite bits. I so wanted Keith to be my favourite, but the Cellar girls just pipped him to the post – it was an unfair advantage – they had disco lights, which is practically a glitter ball, and who doesn’t love a glitter ball.
There was also a special guest performance by the Queens, where they caught up over facetime…or Skype (other video platforms are available) and had a gingerbread house building competition, it was like they took my family Christmas and replicated it on screen.
For the Nigella fans watching, there was a Carry-On episode on how to make a G&T, I’ll never look at a ‘cucomber’ the same way again, not a misspelling.
No variety show is complete without some singers and the talent was undeniable. Luke Murray was adorable in his Santa hat singing his version of Last Christmas by Wham and, whilst Rebecca Drever, Darren Johnson, Laura and Andrew and Zoe Brookes all put in exceptional performances, it was Charlotte Jones who stole the limelight. Her version of Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas was incredible, and Mariah is not an easy act to follow. Even for the Lip Syncing Bare Boys (Darren, your black teeth did it for me!)
All in all, this was a bit of light-hearted evening (or morning, or afternoon, depending when you stream it) entertainment. You may have to channel your inner tweeny to get the full effect, but I think this was a fabulous way for some obviously talented people to get their product out there in these ‘unprecedented’ times.