Every now and again I see a show I know little about. Tonight I was expecting some 1950's rock and roll style music and tales of gruesome events. That was virtually all I needed to know as I walked into the venue and was immediately transported into a mid-West diner with a band perfectly re-creating the 1950's sound.
We soon meet Mary, our host for the evening to explain the events leading to her blood-spattered state joint we were now locked in. This show is not for the faint-hearted as we hear about her molestation as a child, see her beaten up, not to mention a variety of bloody murders.
This sounds heavy and depressing but thanks to the writing and performances it is hugely entertaining and enjoyable. A question and answer session after the event emphazised how much impact Lucy Rivers had in the show which explained her extraordinary ease in dealing with this tricky material.
It was her performance as Mary which drives the evening. She rapports effortlessly with the audience drawing us into the events which otherwise would have left us cold and detached. She is strongly supported by all the cast, especially Oliver Wood who moves seamlessly from the infatuated lover to the cruel tormentor.
After the show Phil Mckenzie made the point that this show would be a big hit at the Edinburgh festival. As experienced reviewers ( for DARKCHAT) we agree completely. An extremely and unexpectedly enjoyable evening.
If you like good music, drama and something different head to The Bloody Ballads.
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