PIRATE JENNY CABARET | STAGE REVIEW
The Gate Arts Centre, Roath, Fri 17 July
Having already gained a good following in the west of Wales, Pirate Jenny Cabaret has at last brought its energetic and jubilant show to the capital city of Cardiff. I had heard good things about this mix of music, dance, comedy, and more, from friends further afield, and so was delighted to discover this performance taking place in the beautiful, renovated church space of Roath’s The Gate Arts Centre.
Whilst offering a plethora of acts in a variety of styles – from choirs to musical theatre-style solo singers, ribald comedy to gorgeous dancers of both genders – Pirate Jenny certainly has something on offer for everyone. I had missed the chance to see comic Double Dip at a previous event, so was glad to catch her here; this light, slightly surreal sort of comedy contrasted well with the darker stand-up of the second half. Young Tara Camm provided a definite ‘wow’ factor with her powerful operatic voice, adding a touch of class to the very stylish proceedings. And four fab chaps – Marc Skone, Ben Williams, Jonathan Radford, and Aled Rees – had us all tapping our toes with their ‘Jersey Boys medley’ of popular tunes.
The wonderful frippery of the Foo Foo Follies and their burlesque routines was a particular highlight for me – their fan dance done to pumping, robot-sound dubstep was just jaw dropping. I also loved ‘Celtic Swan Irish Dance’, which paired an Irish dancer with a ballerina; together, they treated us to a funny, yet extremely impressive ‘dance off’, kicking their lithe legs up, filling the stage with their poise and presence, and engaging the entire audience brilliantly. Mike Williams, too, showed what can be done with contemporary dance – and then some.
The dancing, then, was wonderful; the singers impressive; the show, as a whole, engaging and energetic. Compere Catherine Jones was up-beat (as well as talented singer in her own right) and all in all Pirate Jenny Cabaret proved to be a fantastic evening’s entertainment. I do hope that there is another one very, very soon.
words MAB JONES photos FIRST CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY