The Argus: fringe_2011_logo_red_thumbTHE ballroom is the perfect venue to recreate the fading decadence of 1930s Berlin cabaret – a period backdrop for the disparate denizens of the night whose gaiety and frivolity, innuendo and lewdness, turns gradually to sadness, cynicism and despair as the darkening Nazi shadow moved ever nearer.

The band played original pieces, such as She’s Got a Big Nazi and the fabulous Have You Kissed A Fish? for the misfits to sing as they cling to the club that is their home and increasingly fragile haven. The cabaret – including such gems as Herr Pierre and his wonderful wailing saw – takes place on stage while the backstory takes place on the floor, at the bar and, once, on the bar.

The cast draws the “watching tourists” into the drama, which was at times sexy and naughty, at times funny and raucous, at times mournful and reflective, but never less than entertaining and engaging.

The “tourists”, some dressed for the part (do make the effort if you go), play their part, gradually identifying with the endearingly odd characters before abruptly being asked to consider the question: “Would you stand up and be counted for us when the jackboots kick the door in?” Well, would you?