dmd.txt

http://www.nightnews.net/fringe2008.htm#dmd

And the Devil May Drag You Under - Desmond O'Connor and Pustra/
Vile-een's Vaudeville
venue :: Musical Theatre @ George Square
see links :: http://www.andthedevilmaydragyouunder.com/
http://www.myspace.com/thedevilmaydragyouunder
http://www.youtube.com/andthedevilmaydrag
category :: Musicals and Opera
Reviewed date :: 07 08 08

Review: 'So what brought you to your eternal damnation tonight?,' 
members of the audience are asked individually by Lizzie Wort (Ms 
Mephisto) as they took their seats. This was a nice touch to make 
everyone feel at home in the 'Devil's Cabaret' which in Edinburgh 
at least, is intended to be, 'a twisted, technicolor feast of 
sizzling music, cabaret and circus acts from London, New York and
Berlin.' Staged in a lecture hall as part of the George Square 
Musical Theatre, the sparse, late night audience seemed well humoured
enough and looking for some illicit laughs. Sound quality was good
and the intro promised light hearted, fast paced, witty, visual, 
musical fun. Though the show promised high class Cabaret throughout,
some of the acts turned out to be more amateur burly or concert 
party level with no circus to be seen at all. However full credit
must go to the stars of the show, Lizzie Wort (Ms Mephisto) for some
sexy, evil, show stealing monologues. Greg Walloch who is indeed 
very funny and does the longest line of blue, gay, stand up you will
ever have ever heard. Finally also Skip Shirey who is a devilishly
fiendish and entertaining musician, whether playing the harmonica 
or a suitcase full of weird and wonderful paraphernalia, all to great
demonic effect. Desmond O'Connor's storyline for the show was to ask
for a 'heaven' or 'hell' decision from the audience on each of the 
guest acts. The audience played ball but it seemed a little lame for
his talent and the level of work promised. Pustra and Vile-een's 
numbers though energetic, were a mix of rather tired, camp, kitsch,
20's retro cabaret and a country inspired number that seemed out of
place as well as scatological and which got a genuine, 'Ew!, 
disgusting,' reaction from the audience. Having a second, gay 
stand-up, just seemed wrong headed especially as Greg Walloch 
could not be topped that night. I understand that the show line 
up was altered in the second week to make up some of the weaknesses
and all credit to Desmond O'Connor for taking those steps. In all 
events Desmond O'Connor, Lizzie Wort, Greg Walloch and Skip Shirey
maintained the support of the audience through the weaker parts of 
the show on the night I attended, which makes them worth a gold bat
each!
4 gold bats

by John C Vassallo