Giselle Remix, The Pleasance Review

Giselle Remix production image. Photo by Ali Wright. 

Reviewed by Cathie for Theatre and Tonic.

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review

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The story of Giselle is well known as one of the most famous ballets and is a fairly sweet tale of romantic love, redemption and heartbreak. However, if Giselle is a soft balletic murmur, then Giselle: Remix is a gleeful and brash roar on your senses. Created by Jack Sears and Hannah Grennell, this show is an anarchic and punk queer retelling of this ballet in a way which makes it wholly unique and powerful.

This entire retelling is performed via lip syncing, with a mix of spoken word and a range of soundtracks from queer icons including SOPHIE and Judy. When we meet Giselle, they’re a die-hard romantic nurtured on a steady diet of 1990s rom-com’s starring Julia Roberts and Drew Barrymore. However, when confronted with reality and heartbreak within the romantic field they find themselves far removed from the polished perfection of Hollywood's fairy tale endings. The cast of Jack Sears, Harri Eiffert, Elle Fierce, Spike King and Marie Astrid Mence were absolutely thrilling throughout and their choreography was some of the most dynamic and entertaining that I’ve seen in a very long time. We see Giselle go through depression, the dregs of clubbing culture, the pitfalls of dating apps and face difficulties with seeing the world now the rose-tinted glasses are smashed. The costumes used to further illustrate it range from floatie negligees to very uncomfortable looking pvc plastic suits. This was done well and definitely charged the eerie atmosphere and emotions of the audience more than might have been otherwise. Although we see Giselle go through highs and some devastating lows, what struck me the most was its ending. Its message of hope, finding all sorts of connections with others and the power of the LGBTQIA+ community in caring for each other was beautiful. I really appreciated how it showed themselves leading the way forward for the ones next to come and hopefully making this world a better place for all.

It's definitely an entertaining night out and most of the audience was roaring with laughter or cheering with wild joy at different moments throughout. If you’re a fan of cabaret, fabulous and outrageous dancing or comradery and competition within the romantic community then I recommend this show for you.

At The Pleasance until 27 April. 

★ ★ ★ ★