A Company of Strangers is a cabaret that is showing in The Spiegeltent, which is a beautiful venue” intimate, but with a wonderful old world feel. With solid wooden columns and stained glass all around, seating is available in booths around the sides of the tent and rows of chairs in front of the stage. There is a bar inside, creating an overall feel of a genuine Cabaret club.
There are six performers in total, all of whom have at least one set, some of whom have three. The show consists of a series of unrelated acts, all of which are entertaining for different reasons. Every voice is strong and melodic, and each performer clearly enjoys what they do.
The opener, Martin Martini sings original songs. Whilst his voice is very strong, his humour is, at times, a little caustic, however his musical and vocal skills make him entertaining, if at times a little dark.
Chocolat is very entertaining” ensconced in lycra, wigs and flowing gowns, his beautiful baritone voice is a contradiction, but nonetheless the highlight of the show.
The two female performers are poles apart, yet both display exceptional voices and range. Again, the humour is sometimes subtle, at other times a little confronting – take an open mind (and don’t sit in the front rows!!) Nonetheless, very enjoyable throughout.
A very simple stage set-up, with the performers rotating through individually on the set. The intimacy of the venue is perfect for the show” even sitting in the rear rows I could see and enjoy every part of the show. The venue is well lit for the show, and the entire performance can be enjoyed from any seat in the house.
An enjoyable show in its entirety, with numerous touches of light humour, but probably most memorable for the beautiful voices of “The Whitest Girl on the planet” and the incredible “Chocolat”. Contrasting like chalk and cheese, but at the same time a perfect complement to each other, and worth going to see the show for them alone.
A few blasts from the past (for some), and an indulgence in the obscure for most, an hour or so well spent.
Enjoy!!
At The Spiegeltent
The Garden of Unearthly Delights
Until March 21
