Showcase Productions 2015 session three
Reviewer Mark Ritchie
Never knowingly undersold, the irrepressible Ricky K was soon out causing his usual comedy mayhem with a flatulent parody of the Frozen film anthem, Let it Go.
Settling into the compere duties, Ricky K brought out the first act Ultra 90’s-Fresh. Theatrical and well-drilled, this is a genre tribute show, complete with a band and dancers. Thoughtfully presented and extremely marketable, the business should be assured.
Crossover singer Tom Spence is rather heavy on vibrato in the vocal department. However the appeal for the Russell Watson type is considerable, so there should be work out there.
The renowned four handed vocal group Fate came next and were soon busy reinforcing their already glowing reputation, with a scintillating set.
Gemma Raymond and her two assistants provide something fresh in the field of magic and illusion. Glamour sells and this show is extremely marketable.
Electric Soul are an all-singing, all dancing brace of Americans, who have been domiciled in The Canary Islands and are cracking the UK market. This was a compellingly joyful performance. I for one am convinced that agent and UK Cabaret columnist Vicci Lucas has a production line of such performers piped direct into the UK.
Cool as Vegas are a live three piece band, playing commercial rock anthems, such as The Fratelli’s Chelsea Dagger and other such laddish rabble-rousers. Thanks heavens proper-bands like these are now back in vogue…these guys are the business!
Spotted recently at the Curtains Up event, comedy speciality Antonio Zip seems to present bookers with seemingly limitless potential. Brought along by UK Cabaret subscribers Layton Entertainments, this is silent/ sight gag magic and comedy at its most fresh and original from a genuine rising star.
Re-Yonce comprises a tribute singer and her two female dancers. Possessing the look and sassy feel of the real thing, this is a superior tribute attraction.
Powerhouse singer Andy Otley is from the stable of UK Cabaret subscribers Garston Entertainments. Admittedly the vocals feel a little full-throttle at times, but this was a confident performance from a top-drawer singer.
There is a carefully defined market these days, which seems to favour mixed gender duos who feature an instrument. For this reason the very clever twosome Fit for Treason are sure to find favour, with their segued and clever arrangements. In short, another stand-out act.
The famed Martin Daniels came along and stole the show. Witty and as sharp as a knife, Daniels, (like his famous Dad) is currently on the telly missing list, which is such a shame. This performer has probably forgotten more about how to appeal to a television audience then those running telly these days. Likewise, in a live situation Martin Daniels is devastatingly funny.
Young singer Olly Murray may do well by gaining some experience by working in the holiday cabaret situation. I hear on the grapevine that an offer is imminent.
Is the 1990’s the new 1980’s? Judging by the volume of 90’s tributes, it must be. We Love the 90’s came next with their techno heavy and Britpop sounds. Three singers, two of them female, were augmented visually by two keyboard wielding members.
Woodrow Wilson, named presumably after a past American president, is a soul man who has been around the cabaret block and knows the score.
The Back Beat Boyz perform a tongue in cheek tribute to the boy band scene in general. I wasn’t sure whether these boys were going to sing to me or kick my head in. Given the presentational approach, these guys are sure to be great fun in a holiday park situation.
Amy Housewine presented me with a review dilemma. Does the general public believe that an Amy Weinhouse tribute should be played for laughs? Her agents at UK Cabaret subscribers M.B.M management had brought her along and it may be interesting to see what bookers generally thought to my initial question.
Closing the whole session out was four-piece live band called The Shine. The drummer, bass player and guitarist could have been triplets and these guys are a band’s band really, with show-band roots and lots of ability. With one more session to go, it was time to be fed and watered.
Experts Choice – Steve Sale of Unit One Entertainment chose- Fate, Electric Soul & Martin Daniels
