Photo credit: Harry Elletson
Book & characters by Nora Brigid Monahan
Music & lyrics by Alexander Sage Oyen Produced by Alistair Lindsay for the Unusual Theatre Company and directed by Joe McNeice
This is the UK premiere of Diva: Live from Hell!, where you will join Desmond Channing in the Seventh Circle – Hell’s most squalid cabaret club – as he recounts the grisly events that led him there. Inspired by All About Eve, this blood-stained love letter to Broadway will have you laughing hysterically and lusting for revenge. Starring Luke Bayer as Desmond Channing, and every other character to boot, this one-act, one-person riot of a show will take you beyond the darkest depths and demonstrate exactly what it takes to earn the title of diva.
I’d never been to the Turbine Theatre (opened in 2019), prior to my visit last week to see Luke Bayer (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, RENT, Hair, Soho Cinders) in an American production called Diva: Live From Hell! The premise of the show follows Desmond Channing, as he is presenting a show live from Hell. It enters around a high school drama society, and Luke impressively voices many characters. The piece is a one-person show, and Bayer takes on a massive task but never once flinches or misses a beat. It is a captivating performance, as Luke vividly weaves the storyline, and with such vigour — I felt like I was going on a journey, feeling every emotion possible on the way. Desmond is the unreliable narrator, as we get everything told to us via his lens. This one-person show feel made it ever the more intriguing, yet was fulfilling as often numerous roles performed by one actor are difficult to achieve. Kudos to the director, for their directing this piece with verve and vivacity. The costumes bring the piece to life, and portray the fabulousness of Desmond, and his questioning of sexuality. The tracksuit top, the feather-boa design really brings campuses to this production.
The design is by Director Joe McNeice, and the lockers and creation of a car in one scene really stood out. There’s a lot of thought into how to transform the small space, and this is to be commended. Although the score itself is perhaps not the most memorable, the sheer conviction of the cast and creatives make this a brilliant performance. I loved the references to Patti Lupone, Jerry Herman and many other phrases/trivia only “stagey” folks would understand. I sat on the table seats (with a lamp that changes colour and adds to the feeling of being there with Desmond as he relays his story), and it was a lot of fun to be sung directly at – especially when it’s the superb vocal skill Luke Bayer possesses.
All in all, this was an entertaining watch in a fairly new theatre – my first time at the Turbine – which is located under the arches, and a stone’s throw from Battersea park. You may hear the odd train rumble on by, but that doesn’t detract from the action on stage.
Go see it for it’s just been extended by a week – now to end on 10 September 2022.
Book tickets via Turbine Theatre now
** EXTENDED TO 10 SEPTEMBER 2022 **