ntroduction sabotaged by an incapacitated Meow Meow forewarns the audience about this captivating production. An entertaining, thoughtful and amusing show subsequently enthrals the audience at the Belvoir Street Theatre. The diverse elements of the performance are tied together by Meow Meow’s melodic and resonant voice and her commentary and interpretation of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale.
There is a lot of material to unpack in this free wheeling and fast paced cabaret. It alternates between song and sketch with both being supported by the three talented musicians, who also double as performers. The musicians cover a range of instruments including the previously mentioned shabby pianos, guitars, double bass, tuba and a squeezebox. The music covers a range of styles including a deference to Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht, and also embraces opera, folk, and punk.
The narrative is not a retelling of the original fairy tale but encompasses Meow Meow’s observations, criticisms and interpretations of the story, its author and the historical perspective and comparisons to current sensibilities, politics and society. There are numerous diversions and digressions included such as searching for red shoes, and an interview with Hans Christian Anderson.
A significant aspect of the show is the dance and choreography. Meow Meow’s ability to dance with irregular footwear is amusing and impressive and the choreography makes excellent use of the performers, the instruments and the sets. It is delightful to watch.
Dann Barber’s set and costume design is fantastic and both adds to the production and blends impressively with the overall aesthetic. Rachel Burke’s lighting design similarly captures and enhances the overall aesthetic.
The cast of Meow Meow, Kanen Breen, Mark Jones, Dan Witton, and Jethro Woodward is excellent. Director Kate Champion is to be commended for her input on Meow Meow’s creation. Musical and sound director Jethro Woodward is to be congratulated.
Production images are by Brett Boardman.
Meow Meow’s THE RED SHOES is running at the Belvoir Street Theatre, Surry Hills in the Upstairs Theatre until 9th November and is highly recommended.
