Director: Janie Dee
THE Janie Dee, yes, she of the multiple Olivier Awards, genuine West End theatre royalty brings her eco awareness raising show to this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe – Janie Dee’s Beautiful World Cabaret.
It’s rare to get this up-close and personal with such a lauded theatrical giant and Dee doesn’t disappoint. Showcasing her phenomenal vocal skills on a range of well and less well known musical numbers, this is a real smorgasbord of material.
The theme of earth and nature runs through the musical choices and she is accompanied by singers and dancers Sophia Priolo and Josephina Ortiz-Lewis, virtuoso violinist Sarah Harrison, accomplished accordionist Igor Outkine and pianist and musical director Ed Zanders. There is also a different special guest each day, with a complimentary theme.
Dee intersperses the songs with conversation about the state of the planet and the steps she has taken to mitigate her impact on the earth. From recycling props and costumes, to minimising the notorious flyering the Fringe is famous for, to the simple yet bold step of not wearing any makeup because of the excessive and unrecyclable packaging it is produced in.
The quality of Dee’s performance is never in question and the aims laudable but due to its mid-afternoon timing, this glamorous, sequin-clad goddess of the stage seems oddly placed in the setting of the Fringe. An evening setting in an atmospheric night club would possibly have served her better.
However, if you want to see a true theatrical giant, up close and personal in an intimate setting then don’t squander this opportunity.
Runs on various dates until 26 August 2024 | Image: Contributed
The Reviews Hub Score
Quality and a conscience
