Paris Underground pairs well with a glass of wine. So it comes as no surprise the show can trace its inception back to Red Bennies bar. The production has transitioned into a theatre setting, but the influence of its origins is still palpable.
The cast was proficient and the acts were consistent. The audience happily embraced the bar-joke humour and were quickly on board with songstress Aurora Kurth when she wove her way through the theatre at the start of the show.
Aurora Kurth
The routines were practiced, with enough material to create a good, solid one-hour show. However, we were at the theatre for 2.5 hours. This would have suited a bar setting that wanted to funnel patrons to purchase drinks in-between and during the acts. But the extra padding was unnecessary at the Alex Theatre. Side note: there was also the most inexplicable, over-abundant use of a smoke machine that I have ever seen in a theatre. (I’m tempted recommend the audience use it as a drinking game, but everyone would be trashed before intermission.)
It was an interesting choice to program a cabaret variety show separate from the Fringe Festival. However, Paris Underground has a different target audience. The show is well suited for couples that want a laugh, a pre-show drink, and a comfortable place to sit. Avid circus goers and those wanting something experimental with a bit of grit should look elsewhere. The routines are classic – making it fun for casual theatre goers, but familiar to those that regularly attend variety shows.
– Jenny
Jenny S. is an event adventurer. When she’s not attending live shows, you can find her sampling the latest craft beer or sipping a creative cocktail.
Paris Underground runs September 21-24 at the Alex Theatre in St Kilda. Book tickets now.
