Review of Glitter and Be Gay/Stud & Babe: A Love Less Ordinary

"Love as a quirky mishap" by Katherine Gregor for remotegoat on 03/05/10

The first part of this double bill, presented by the soprano-cello-piano ensemble Ismena, revolved around the ever-favourite topic of dysfunctional dating. 'Stud & Babe: A Love Less Ordinary', devised and staged by Brodie Bass, was a delight on both the musical and acting fronts. Brodie Bass and Sara Cluderay sparked off each-other with perfect comic timing, in numbers such as 'Stud and Babe' and 'Barcelona'. Mr Bass and Ms Cluderay make the perfect comedy pair, in that they seamlessly blend easy laughs with ones you have to work for before being rewarded. Their quirky sense of humour teases you just enough to keep you on your toes. Their talent for gentle mockery and self-mockery is priceless.

In the second part of the evening, with 'Glitter and Be Gay', Sara Cluderay took us on a tour of high note histrionics, displaying her vocal versatility, equally comfortable with the operatic trills in - amongst others - 'Glitter and Be Gay' and 'The Girl in 14G', and the softer, more understated tones of 'Unusual Way'. Perhaps she lacks the warm vulnerability to tug at your heartstrings with songs like 'Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man', which require a brand of heartfelt innocence currently not in fashion. Ms Cluderay's great strength - besides her unquestionable vocal dexterity - is her quirkiness. One gets the impression that her tongue remains lodged firmly in her cheek; something most refreshing in her rendition of 'Still Hurting' - the first time I have enjoyed listening to this song. The highlight of the set, for me, was Kurt Weill's 'The Saga of Jenny', in which Ms Cluderay combined engaging storytelling, black comedy and limpid singing, into an effervescent cocktail.

I found the second part of the programme a trifle long, especially as the combination of high notes and sound volume seemed to grow louder as the evening went on, making it trying on the ears. Given the difference in their length, perhaps the show would have benefited from 'Stud & Babe: A Love Less Ordinary' comprising the second half, instead.

Why is the piano so often too loud at this kind of show? The piano should be an accompaniment to the singer; the supporting act - not the competitor. Instead, for most of the show, the piano was practically on the same level as the singer, intrusive. I do not know whether that was a conscious decision on the part of Ismena, or a technical malfunction.

A gem in the show was cellist Mayda Narvey. Sensitive and gently supportive as an accompanist to the singers, she blossomed into her own when playing solos. Her cello sang 'Cry Me a River' with layers of emotion and tenderness, and uncompromised truthfulness.

Overall, a most enjoyable evening.

Event Venues & Times
finished	Battersea Barge | Nine Elms Lane, London, SW8 5EP

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