The Royal George Christmas
Cabaret
with
Tina Del Twist
Cliff Hanger and a Special
Mystery Guest
Friday 22 December 2012
In Kyneton residents are
privileged to have a hotel that schedules some excellent cabaret and comedy. It is one of the many great things about
living in a town that is its own unique, and growing, cultural oasis.
Tina, Drag Queen, Comedian
and Singer croons to us as she compares a tremendous show full of surprises from
comedians of contrasting talent. As the
evening progresses, Tina (a creation of home grown Wes Snelling) wows the
audience with her mellow singing accompanied, in brilliant synchronization, by
guitarist Twist - Stephen Weir. Tina’s
stage presence is unassuming, but kind of sexy at the same time. Her calm ‘devil may care’ approach exudes
comfort and relaxes the audience with one exception.
With live comedy I know to
sit well back for fear of becoming part of the show. To my horror my table is positioned closest
to the stage - this reviewer was definitely set up! But as it turns out I am in safe hands. I have
so much outrageous fun calling out obscenities, as requested, whilst roaring
with laughter and squirming with embarrassment, losing my table for Tina to put
her drink on and fetching and carrying as required.
The surprise guest is
Melbourne based Harley Breen, who, after courteously paying homage to his
matronly host, launches into a rousing and dreadfully graphic, story of the
birth of his first child. This slice of
life, at its most raw, packs the punch of strong material that is easy to
connect to. The audience is taken by
this very capable masculine presence discussing once taboo material with
sensitivity and insight.
Guest number two is Cliff
Hanger a bigoted and sexist Vietnam Vet, who is dressed as Father Christmas to
outraged his audience with character comedy at its best. Presented by local Actor/Comedian Paul Lum,
Cliff is a very richly realized character.
Through Cliff, with lashings of irony, Lum offers audiences a chance to
reflect on some of the social difficulties experienced by the Returned
Servicemen of this era. And he is very
funny. As Cliff/Santa - Paul bravely
deals with a very spirited local lovely, boldly riding his thighs, when
expected to merely sit on his lap.
This was a real Christmas
treat – laughing delightedly at engaging consummate performers in a great venue
- just a short walk from home. I wanted
all my friends to be there to be having as much fun as I was.
Suzanne Sandow
(For Midland Express)
Images of Tina by James Penlidis
