London Horror Festival at The Pleasance – 21 October
3***
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
With Rachael Bellis as a horror film virgin, Eloise Jones as a mad scientist, Fiona Tong as a vampish vampire and Kat Da Bra as a demon queen, a fun filled hour of horror themed musical theatre numbers comes unstuck and ends in bloody revenge as Bellis can’t bring herself to share the spotlight with the other cast members.
The interplay between the performers is great fun as their frustration with Bellis’ diva behaviour grows, with Kat Da Bra being killed off twice in the hour-long show. THAT moment in Carrie isn’t quite enough to stop Bellis, so another scheme is plotted.
Directed by Fergus Rattigan, numbers from Mean Girls, Heathers, Little Shop of Horrors and many more are belted with glee. The Worst Pies in London, ending with death by jam tart, is a highlight, as is In His Eyes, where Bellis insists on singing to a skull while Eloise Jones flirts and sings with as many audience members as possible. Of course, there MUST be a singalong, and Kat Da Bra’s visual aids to help with Science Fiction – Double Feature were inspired. Eloise Jones’ version of In Short is comedy gold, while Fiona Tong brings a little gravitas to the show with her solo. The finale, a horror style She Had It Coming was an excellent way to finish the show – giving all the talented cast a chance to shine.
Accompanied by Ella Jean, the cast’s voices worked well together, and it is hard to not join in with the songs as the atmosphere was so relaxed.
A hectic hour of comedy and great music, Revenge is lots of fun.