EastEnd Cabaret: Sexual Tension

Sexual tension is indeed the one thing you can expect in spadefuls in EastEnd Cabaret’s filthy new show. Temptress Bernadette Byrne and accompanist Victor/Victoria (Victy for short) play host to a set-list of scintillatingly vulgar numbers from sex flans to tiny sex robots. If audience participation makes you panic, however, sitting near an exit may be opportune as Byrne clambers up through the centre seats, dolled up in her black velvety costume, to terrorise the audience.

Many burlesque performers have commented on the so-called pornification of the genre and its cabaret cousin. Here, Bernadette and Victy place the idea at the very core of their show, from rubbing each other’s nipples to licking the foreheads of unsuspecting men. This is smut dressed up in feathers: poised, raunchy, wickedly naughty. And buried within are two stunning performances, as both women are hugely talented musicians. It is this delicate concoction of skill and sex that pulls the whole thing together.

It’s true that EastEnd Cabaret are now a trimmed and taught outfit that have almost perfected the risqué blend of erotic music and audience participation that they’ve built a name on. It’s also true, however, that this blend is unvaried. What starts as blisteringly funny material on the taboos of libidinous women—and rollicking, bawdy fun—is soon rather colourless. The real sense of danger that could catapult EastEnd Cabaret to even greater success is needed in this show. Potentially, it would divide audiences more, but would lead to a genuinely gutsy and provocative cabaret filled with experiments on interaction between performer and spectator.