“Welcome everybody” shouts the young man in the red dress and pink blusher. Singing, playing and chatting the five rambling troubadours from Riddlestick Theatre frolic and sway around the stage as the audience enters. Their music swirls about the auditorium; guitar, cello and accordion; an acoustic appetiser. Finally, eccentric 18th century aristocratic adventurer Madame Fanny du Thé appears from aloft, a fitting entrance for her superior status. She addresses her minions in dresses: “I’m Madame du Thé and I’m worldly and wise, Oh the wonders I’ve seen with these elegant eyes.” The show begins and we are treated to one fabulous and fascinating tale from Madame Fanny’s travels for each curio picked from her cabinet by an audience member… “Reach into my drawers!” she demands. There are stories of sea monsters, mad doctors and Gallic sibling rivalry.
Written and developed by members of the cast this rambling raucous show can take on a different arrangement in each performance, depending on which souvenir is chosen; testament to the cast’s skill and versatility. Each performer sings, dances and acts the characters for each tale as required. There is plenty of comedy and slapstick; music and song. The vocal harmonies are enchanting; there is cute and clever wordplay; innuendo and insult. Most of all there is energy; it runs from start to finale of this one hour show… just enough entertainment and not too long to tire.
The co-writers and performers are Kate Stokes (exuberant as Madam Fanny) and the versatile Tom Manson (guitar, acting and singing). Ashley Scott is a nicely understated fool while Sophie Jackson sits cello-playing at the back with occasional well-timed interjections. Chris Jones plays-up at every opportunity, flamboyant and flash ; Alison Cowling is enchanting and lively with her accordion. The cast make use of all of the stage and spaces around the Wardrobe Theatre to express themselves. The audience seem rather reluctant in volunteering to choose the next memento from the cabinet, but show their pleasure heartily as the show goes on.
The tradition of cabaret-style musical comedy shows is long and varied and Riddlestick Theatre’s contribution won’t break any new ground. But if it’s entertainment you’re after then this show won’t disappoint; it’s good fun. From its launch in 2017 the show has charmed audiences in Bristol and elsewhere. It was cited as one of the best shows at the Edinburgh fringe 2018 by the Guardian Newspaper. The great thing about this show is that you don’t really know where it’s going, or where it’s going to end; like the actors it wriggles and twists to a satisfyingly unpretentious conclusion. ★★★★☆ Adrian Mantle 21st February 2019
