Wonderville Magic and Cabaret opens at new venue Wonderville UK on Haymarket
Returning to London’s West End, Wonderville offers an unpredictable mix of music and cabaret acts at it’s very own new venue just off the bustle of Piccadilly Circus. The vaudevillian show boasts a roster of veteran and new talent (which the audience won’t know who they’re getting till the night), and it might be rough and rambunctious, but is lacking in real wonder.
In contrast to last year’s vast Palace Theatre venue, the production is squeezed into the Wonderville UK space on Haymarket. Tables are arranged intimately, and a Victorian steampunk design evokes a nostalgic atmosphere. While a small stage is thrust down one end (those booking would be advised to avoid the side platform due to poor sight lines), parts of the night fortunately do manage to escape into the audience. Pre-show and interval closeup magic is provided by the legendary Fay Presto touring the tables, providing a more personalised experience.
Comperes Des O’Connor and Chastity Belt also mingle during the interludes between the acts, building rapport and geeing up the crowd with their self-mocking showmanship. While the musical numbers seem inexplicably chosen, there’s no denying that watching Chastity belting out everything from Bassey to Bowie is entertaining. The diva host certainly tickles the audience with her quick wit and wicked asides. Only performer Abi Collins’s debauched burlesque dance makes such a vivid, hilarious impression.
That delightfully irreverent fusion of comedy and skill is certainly characteristic of the whole lineup. Magicians Billy Kidd and Marc Oberon not only astound with their abilities but regale with their humorous flair. Hula-hooper Amazi and campily suave sword-swallower Snooki Mono give the variety acts some dazzle and cause for alarm. Even the stage crew operating the creaky, old-fashioned red stage curtains provide an (unintended) chuckle.
However, unlike last year’s summer spectacle Cirque Beserk, there is no real standout performance that truly astonishes, and the variety only stretches so far. There is also a perceptible repetitiveness that starts to set in when the audience gets yet another card trick, yet another levitation stunt, and those sparkly hula-hoops reappear for a similar use in another act. Other than the comperes, no other musical talent is on offer here.
With Wonderville offering a new lineup for every performance, it is difficult to say whether these problems will persist in all shows. Yet, if this press night iteration was any indication, there is just not enough amazement – despite the production’s palpable amusement – to really justify the price of admission.
James Humphrey
Wonderville Magic and Cabaret is on at Wonderville UK from 9th August until 30th October 2022. For further information visit the theatre’s website here.
Watch a trailer for the production here:
https://youtu.be/1LJhujuLI4k
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