EAST END MUSICAL

BY UWERN JONG

As a lover of the campery and pageantry of musical theatre, I’ve often wondered what would happen if you added a little bit of East London ‘flavour’ to the great gay art. I mean, this was after all, the stomping grounds of Victorian music-hall legends like Marie Lloyd, who made infamous the cockney show-tune “A little of what you fancy does you good”; wit, risque and innuendo in musical theatre is at the very heart of this part of town.

Last night, we took a flight of fancy to the 21st century music-hall, the Bistrotheque Cabaret Room, to watch the tranny-tag-team, Jonny Woo and Le Gateau Chocolat belt out a less-than-traditional musical revue - complete with costume-changes, spoofery, glitter and high-camp. Like the lovechild of a threesome between Broadway, the Eurovision Song Contest and true Bistrotheque pedigree, the two wicked step-sisters of London cabaret took to the stage and delivered a colourful combo of sung musical theatre, comedy lip-synching and banter in “Jonny & Gateau: Now That’s What I Call Musicals”.

Phantom, Cabaret, Funny Girl, Beauty and the Beast (but who was which?), Les Mis and Flashdance all featured, in an apt playlist that I believe, without coincidence, ultimately describes the pair’s on-stage caricatures and their personal relationship with the world of cabaret.

Lyrics did not escape Jonny’s witty bending - plus some fabulous social commentary on East London’s trendy rise. Plus Jonny’s Irene Cara tribute with an amazing twist shows that the old-boy can still move. Add to that Gateau’s booming baritone, crazy dancing, comedy timing and costumes - sheer comedy gold.

What was a real shame is they played to a half-house, but the audience were not short on applause, whooping and sing-along as the pair worked their magic. Do not expect a slick, polished musical revue though, because it isn’t; but neither is it an Am-Dram show. Plus musical theatre die-hards out there (you know who you are, Elaine Paige on Sunday listeners) may not appreciate the dissection of the classic greats. Seemingly improvised in parts, we often see Ms Chocolat bursting into fits of unrehearsed laughter. But what it has going for it is intimacy, charm and true wit - and a connection with the audience that is truly unique to this pair.

It seems the spirit of Marie Lloyd lives long and prospers here. So sod Broadway, when you have Broadway Market. And why go all West End Theatre, when you can have some of the East End variety - keep an eye out on future developments from Jonny and Gateau.

Jonny & Gateau: Now That’s What I Call Musicals ran at Bistrotheque 23-27 Wadeson Street, London, E2 9DR - 24-28th May.

Jonny’s next show:

‘The JONNY WOO Show’ - TV / Music / Show / Chat  - think ‘Jools Holland’ in drag!
At XOYO, 32-37 Cowper Street, Shoreditch, London, EC2A 4AP on Sunday June 12th Start 7pm Show 9pm. TICKETS £8 IN ADVANCE FROM WWW.TICKETWEB.CO.UK

Don’t forget to check-out Jonny’s up close and personal interview with Amy Redmond in Issue 2 of Out There.