A comedy show that starts with a woman dressed up as Jon Bon Jovi involving a phallic hand-puppet is a rather bizarre entrance to say the least, but Alison Thea-Skot more than pulled it off.
From the second Alison burst onto the stage as her teenage hero we were treated to a smorgasbord of character comedy, with great energy, pizazz and madcap antics.
As an audience, we heard ballads from the Oyster Card and the British Passport, eccentric to the hilt and funny as hell. At times she allowed us into her thoughts: “what in my life has led me to sitting on a stool in front of a live audience with an Oyster card fashioned out of cardboard around my face, singing in a whimsical voice”, as well she might wonder. But keep on doing your thing Alison because whatever it was that led you to this point works!
Also making an appearance was Dame Shirley Bassey in what appeared to be a large 70’s paper lampshade and a questionable wig, which did nothing to detract from Alison’s on-point impression of the Welsh female powerhouse.
Audience participation was a key part of the performance and through this, she was able to showcase her improvisation skills. Alison’s enthusiasm was infectious and the audience were literally willing to do anything she asked of them and ask she did.
Alison touched upon her relationship with character comedy and addressed the question whether it works for an audience as opposed to her just being herself. This was her chance to show that this relationship is well and truly cemented and that character comedy when done right is a joy to behold.
The sheer zaniness of the show didn’t detract from the fact that Alison is a well-polished performer with great stage presence and a brilliant impressionist to boot. Think surreal with jazz hands; Alison’s show needs to be seen to be fully appreciated!
★★★★
Alison Thea-Scott: Thea-Skot Through the Heart and You’re to Blame is at 19:20 at the Voodoo Rooms, French Quarter, until 26th August. For tickets and more information click here!
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