Forum Theatre, Malvern – 7th October 2023
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
I’m ashamed to admit that until recently I was blissfully unaware of Fascinating Aida’s obvious charms. After seeing them tonight I’m a convert for life! Dillie Keane (piano, uke and vocals), Adele Anderson (vocals) and Liza Pulman (vocals) are the three principle members of this wonderful comedy cabaret act that has, since its formation 40 years ago, become a national institution.
The show opened with the newest member of the group, pianist (also musical director and composer) Michael Roulston, introducing the first song “We’re Next/ We’re Not Done Yet”. A song amply showing the dual nature of the group – black humour with a light, airy touch.
And then it was straight into one of the trio’s most famous and popular songs “Cheap Flights”. Possibly the most bitingly accurate song to cover the thorny issue of hidden charges, luring you in with the promise of a bargain only to find that it’s not quite so cheap after all. Brilliant.
I could have just reviewed with “sheer comedy perfection” as everything was hilarious, but to give you a flavour of the evening…
“Lieder”, a kind of song from Cabaret lampooning the whole genre; the ladies acrobatics during it (impressive chairography) only added to the wonder (are a couple of them really 70?) and split sides. Dillie’s percussion was perfectly timed (in every sense).
The Bulgarian Song Cycle was short, pithy, bang up to the minute tunes poking fun at the news, their very brevity making them even more impactful. The one regarding Gillian Keegan (Education Minister) was particularly hard hitting – almost punk in its vicious condemnation of the state of politics in our country. An astonishing achievement in just a couple of lines. Absolutely genius writing!
“The Blues Got A Skeleton Key” was another highlight, showing that the ladies could write profoundly emotional songs as well as humorous ones. I found myself deeply moved by this fabulous number. Later on I was even more moved by “Old Home”, mining a deep seam of bittersweet memories for many I’m sure.
Mr Roulston’s compositional prowess was all over “Down With The Kids (Track)”, providing the ladies with the opportunity to rap and “A.I.” (with a Kraftwerk vibe), showing a remarkable versatility, keeping the show very now.
Towards the end “Dogging” brought the house down (of course) before yet another genre was introduced with “Tesco Saves” giving us Gospel and then “Your Home Town” name checking Malvern as the final number. Stunning lyric writing and mellifluous singing that could loosen the most buttoned up cardy!
I’ll just mention what a lovely surprise and thoughtful thing it is to include a free downloadable programme from their website. Super helpful and something I wish all shows offered.
It was a real pleasure spending the evening in such delightful company. The ladies gave us much welcome glamour as the gloomy nights move in, all looking gorgeous. But it was their fabulous personalities that shone the brightest. My first time seeing them, it was like being welcomed back by old friends. Bravo ladies and here’s to the next 40 years (and beyond). As perfect live as I hoped they would be, this is one of the funniest shows I’ve ever seen which I wholeheartedly recommend to everyone. A tonic! Thank you ladies (and gentleman).