How to Survive the Cherpocalypse at The Space Online

Bridging the gap between lockdown-enforced online shows and first attempts at resuscitating live theatre, The Space hosts How to Survive the Cherpocalypse, a show produced by performance art collective I Need to Cher, who, as the name implies, make their living by performing cabaret nights around the endless career of Cher. While the live show is well received by a generous audience, the stream offered via Zoom struggles to impress because of a lack of decent equipment.

The show itself is a mixture of cabaret, stand-up comedy and drag, delivered by a talented group of entertainers, all enamoured by glamour goddess Cher, her songs, her life and her legacy. As several performers take turns impersonating the entertainer on stage or via video transmission, they take the audience through her illustrious life, imparting her wisdom.

While the episodes are colourful, varied and imaginative (indeed, the live audience at The Space can be heard roaring with laughter throughout), the audience tuning in via Zoom are left out due to technical issues. The microphone and camera are placed behind the audience, meaning that the distance from the actors is too large to begin with, and whenever there is roaring engagement it’s impossible to understand a single word, let alone any of the punch lines that seem to be leaving everyone in stitches. Offering a chance to watch a show online in these troubled times is fine – no, a blessing – but the quality needs to be on par to ensure it is at least watchable. Cherpocalypse does not deliver.

This is a great pity since an imaginative setup and the diversity of elements are atmospheric and almost magical: a range of clips played in the background and performed by additional actors, a slide show about Cher’s live, as well as several performances of the star’s hit songs are just a few examples of their efforts.

Those few who are lucky enough to have made it to the live performance enjoy a hilarious and engaging show, but for those who tune in via Zoom the result is questionable. Very frustrating, considering the audience really seems to enjoy it.

Michael Higgs

How to Survive the Cherpocalypse is available to livestream from 23^rd October until 24^th October 2020. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.