Meow Meow: It’s Come to This has all the elements of a cabaret, including a pianist and a woman with a vocal range we all wish we had when singing ‘My Heart Will Go On’ at karaoke night.
Yet its unconventional nature goes against the norm.
This was my first cabaret show and I was uncertain about what I was getting into, but it is where theatre, music, and comedy all meet.
While the 1930s inspired Meow Meow, the years between the two World Wars were a time of change and political movement.
If you want a place to laugh off the traumas of politics, while attempting to put the world right with a sprinkle of laughs and shock faces, this show is for you.
This show does not have a fourth wall, the invisible divide separating the audience from the actors.
Instead, Meow Meow engages with the audience, making them get involved.
From crowd surfing to stealing your bags and coats, you’re taken on an adventure.
Anyone who was a theatre kid will tech and dress rehearsal, where they had to change and experiment with lighting and sound for hours, or their dress would get in the way of dancing.
This show is like that, with all the comedic ‘oops’ moments from a rehearsal in the real thing.
You’ll be laughing out of your seat, with Meow Meow breaking character, snapping at the audience and shouting “nein” or anything in German at you.
Anyone attending had better start practising, as they will be part of the show.
You may also be worndering what do a lazy Susan, rubber clothes and a chandelier all have in common?
While you might find the first two in your house, all three can be seen on the stage at the Soho Theatre, which adds to the show’s comedic value and fun.
As for the star of the show herself, you cannot hide from her in the darkness of the audience, as she will come and find you.
As she puts it, the whole theatre is her playhouse.
At the heart of It’s Come to This is music.
With an impressive vocal range, Meow Meow is breathtaking while singing not just in English but also French and German, which is probably the only time I wish I had paid more attention in language class.
Do not worry, however, as she explains the songs for you so you can also use your imagination.
She said previously that she brought her chandelier, and she is a one-woman show.
She pushes the grand piano on stage, makes her props, and even cleans up after herself – what excellent manners she has.
She can truly do it all: Sing, dance, act, be funny and scary, except play the piano.
You will be belly-laughing all the way home and simultaneously questioning the global political landscape.
Meow Meow: It’s Come To This runs until 26 May and tickets are available via the Soho Theatre online booking page.
Feature image: Karl Giant
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