Frisky and Mannish at Udderbelly.

Frisky and Mannish.

Off to the South Bank last night in the eye of a raging storm. We were off to see Frisky and Mannish at Udderbelly. We see a lot of cabaret which makes us a bit jaded and somewhat fussy.  I had heard good things about this pair and enjoyed the show. Frisky is the lady of the duo, curvy,schoomistressy and plummy she has a stonking voice. Her partner, Frisky, is slight, provides musical accompaniment and apt comment. There is no ‘straight’man, the couple are very much performers in tandem. The performance itself is high camp and barbs directed at the world of pop and delivered using the pairs comic timing, Frisky’s voice and some audience participation.

It helps to know your pop music but barbs were well delivered and the victims deserving. I am not a fan of Florence and the Machine and enjoyed the deconstruction of her ouvre immensely. Other highlights included a music hall version of the Pussycat Dolls and a performance encompassing all the ‘ages’ of Madonna. 

I liked the purple cow tent, inside it was an intimate space and all the seating was close to the performers.  Outside there is a mini-pleasure garden with small wooden pagodas, heated seating, a connect four game, table football and a bar. A much nicer place to wait for entry than queuing on the street or being shoehorned into a theatre bar. It was curious watching the performance with such a 'vanilla' crowd but they were really responsive, the suits were not lager louty and some seemed to be repeat viewers of the performers so it was fine.

Frisky and Mannish are on again at Udderbelly on the 7^th June, 

Redlegs has a suggestion for a nice night out on the South Bank, especially sans thunderstorm:

Early dinner at Canteen under the Festival Hall.

Quick wander around the Festival of Britain display in the Festival Hall.

Quick drink in the Udderbelly  Garden.

Performance at Udderbelly.

http://www.underbelly.co.uk/webpages/southbank/

Accomplice: Interactive theatre from Menier Chocolate Factory.

I spent yesterday participating in ‘Accomplice’ an interactive theatre experience organised by the Menier Chocolate Factory theatre.  Part performance, part walk, part treasure hunt it involves actors playing characters from a heist, the solving of clues, some drinking, some walking and and not a few cellars. I can’t really go into great detail as it would spoil the experience of anyone planning to take part but Cilit Bang and pole dancing play a part.

Initially the experience feels somewhat stilted, but as you go on and you get used to the process it becomes more enjoyable.  The clues are not particularly difficult however our group had its dim moments, but there is help (you are monitored) and receive help should you become lost, tardy or just misplace your brain cells along the way. Having worked in London Bridge for a while and being a Sarf Londoner I knew the places visited but it doubles as a tour of some of the South Banks more obscure corners. 

This would be an excellent start to a hen or stag night (pre booze binging) or birthday celebration as you can book in teams of ten. Although not much walking is involved it set us up nicely for our meal (at Pont de la Tour) afterwards. 

Details here: https://www.menierchocolatefactory.com/Online/default.asp 

Minn x