In a packed-out King’s Arms, musical stand-up Holly Redford Jones’ tuneful contribution to Greater Manchester Fringe seeks to answer the question: where have all the lesbian bars gone?
Redford Jones instantly draws the audience in with a reassuring stage presence, achieving many laughs through the sardonic delivery of her musings. Social critique remains sharp as well as facetious throughout.
The show’s description promises many things- including a celebration of queer women of the past, present and future. It was therefore a missed opportunity for the piece to be noticeably light on sapphic content. Where did all the lesbian bars go? A brief history of the country’s venues- from the 1930s’ Gateways Club to London’s newest joint La Camionera– would have been a welcome inclusion.
With a soothing croon of a voice giving notes of Adele and Amy Winehouse, Redford Jones owns the soft rock genre through a host of magnificent covers. The titular song, Yes Sir, I Can Boogie and even a sample of the Ghostbusters theme are all spiced up through her easy-listening style that gets heads swaying.
Perhaps Holly should open a lesbian cabaret bar of her own!
‘I Was Dancing in the Lesbian Bar’ continues at Edinburgh Fringe Festival next month.
Reviewer: Scot Cunningham
Reviewed: 12th July 2024
North West End UK Rating:
If Disney ever collided with a psychological breakdown, the result might look something like ‘Princess…
Shanay Holmes' first solo concert proved to be a considerable success, her powerful voice presenting…
There are some shows where you spend your time analysing every directorial choice, every dramatic…
Well, seeing as this is one of the most iconic shows ever produced, I don’t…
The words “This Machine Kills Fascists” emblazoned across Woody Guthrie’s guitar have become one of…
In the same month that Something Rotten! delights audiences with its joyous Shakespearean irreverence at…