Dagmarr’s Dimanche: Songs from the Cinema – Crazy Coqs, London

I had the pleasure of reviewing Hersh Dagmarr perform in September 2025 and so I was very excited to review this instalment of Dagmarr’s Dimanche. To my delight, this show was even better than the last.

Glamorous vampire Hersh Dagmarr, decked out in dazzling sequins, takes a break from the cabaret scene of Weimar Berline to take the audience on a decedent tour of songs from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Accompanied by pianist and arranger Karen Newby, Dagmarr sings a variety of songs from films, some of which I knew and the rest of which I was very pleased to be introduced to. Dagmarr has absolute command of the stage and gorgeous singing voice. He is utterly engaging and captures the emotions behind the lyrics beautifully.

Between songs, Dagmarr evangelises about the complex and enticing femme fatales of the 20^th century and the actresses who portrayed them, such as Marilyn Monroe and Marlene Dietrich. Dagmarr’s luscious, opulent descriptions of their films transport the audience back to the era, and after the show I was left with an itch to fill in the gaps in my classic cinema knowledge. Dagmarr also tells the story of his own adventures in Hollywood at the time; he’s a vampire, don’t forget. The Forrest Gump -esque story sees Dagmarr interact with famous people and play a role in important events in Hollywood history.

Songs from the Cinema is more overtly humorous than the iteration of Dagmarr’s Dimanche I reviewed last September. The setlist contains catchier, more recognisable, and generally more accessible tunes. Dagmarr and Newby have a lot of fun with some playful meta humour, such as Dagmarr hilariously pretending to tap dance to a backing track or missing an entrance cue.

Even if you missed Songs from the Cinema, you can see Hersh Dagmarr for yourself every Wednesday throughout March at Rose of Elagabalus (https://www.therosesofelagabalus.com/) or at Circle & Star on 24^th March (https://www.tickettailor.com/events/circleandstar).

Reviewer: Charles Edward Pipe

Reviewed: 2nd February 2026

North West End UK Rating: