Barbershopera : Cabaret Sauvignon – Trafalgar Studios, London

Reviewer: John Roberts

The Public Reviews Rating:

Formed over five years ago with several award-winning shows and performances later, the Babershopera team bring their usual opera infused a cappella back to the west end for a riotous, rip-roaring and rollicking sixty five minute cabaret.

Keeping things simple, four performers, four chairs and a handful of silly props including a few cans of Tenants Super Brew; Robert Castell, Will Kenning, Pete Sorrell-Cameron and Lara Stubbs bring a collection of Babershopera’s greatest hits including the viral sensations “I Could Have Married Kate” a hilarious song about the commoners who wanted to marry Kate Middleton and “Edinburgh (Not Gonna Go)” about all the things that performers hate about attending the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

While most of the material performed may have been heard before, especially if you are familiar with past shows, they are performed with panache and comic conviction from the undeniably talented quintet. The intimacy of Trafalgar Studios 2 provides a perfect setting for their personable approach, especially when engaging with the audience who were clearly enjoying the production as much as the performers.

The satirical styling of the group tends to sway towards the political and the Ken Livingstone theme song is one of the evening’s true highlights however they are equally at home with the outright bizarre, if you have never encountered a rapping horse before then you are in for a treat!

Cabaret Sauvignon is a full bodied, rich and endlessly tasty delight, perfect for an end of evening treat!