Interview with the Vamp – Soho Theatre

A love letter to the lost and found art of vamping, this rambunctious queer song-cycle has it all. We get logos in a well-reasoned critique of the sinister ascendance hyper realistic cakes, ethos in the unimpeachable credentials provided by Dr Adam Perchard’s perfect hair, and just almost surfeiting pathos in ten top notch cabaret songs each braver, funnier, and filthier than the last.

Perchard’s uneasy chemistry with composer and pianist Richard Thomas juxtaposes well with their easy command of the eager audience instantly won over by their unique mixture of sheepish charm and operatic bravado all bundled up in a scintillating gold trained over gown that can’t help but sparkle.

Composed of a lot of singing and a little talking, Interview with the Vamp comprises about an hour’s worth of content almost all of which comes directly from Perchard’s diaphragm. There’s no set, no props, no costume changes, and only minor adjustments to lights throughout the performance but every moment captivates and despite minimal trimmings every gesture is deeply theatrical.

Dizzyingly dancing between cynicism and sentiment, Perchard’s lyrics are consistently surprising and unerringly nasty. This is a performance there’s no shying away and an unshrinkable spectacle. As “the Vamp” informs audiences in their boisterous and blistery opening song, this isn’t a performance about us. It’s all about Adam. If you can snag a ticket, fasten your seatbelts because it’s going to be a bumpy night!

Reviewer: Kira Daniels

Reviewed: 10th July 2024

North West End UK Rating: