Review > Musical review: Barbershopera II
Barbershopera
THE team behind last year's popular show pairing harmonious singing with hairdressing are back with another affectionate pastiche of all things musical and salon based. They did it brilliantly the first time round and the sequel is just as good – maybe even better.
PLEASANCE DOME (VENUE 23)
* * * *
Imagine that the residents of Royston Vasey were part of a (really good) barbershop quartet, with a script ten times as funny as their usual material and you just about get the idea. This time round, the gang face a jealous rival in the form of Trevor Sorbie (nothing to do with the real hairdresser, of course), creator of a mysterious miracle mousse, a product that will give you a perfectly coiffed, larger-then-life barnet (a bit like Trevor's), but could also leave you with unfortunate side effects (such as death).
When the characters' rural Norfolk homeland ("a tight community, where everyone is family – literally") is threatened by Trevor's evil plans, it seems like even the power of song won't be enough to save our heroes. What they really need is a Spanish matador with a skill for face-to-face combat. Luckily, one arrives.
The mix of incongruous action with highly sophisticated storytelling is a great combination and something writer/performers Rob Castell and Tom Sadler have mastered, along with director/co-writer Sarah Tipple. There are lots of great moments. For instance, when our matador decides he must turn a passion for killing into a talent for haircutting, there's a terrific montage sequence that hilariously demonstrates just how far the concept of transferable job skills can be taken.
Lara Stubbs also makes a welcome return playing love interest Vicky (how a female comes to be in a barbershop quartet was explored in the last show), while new member Pete Sorel-Cameron fits into the group perfectly.
All of the performances are terrific – each perfectly blending sharp comic timing with effortless singing.
While the humour is often physical, the story is surprisingly touching. You'll find yourself caring about the characters despite, or even because of, the fact that they're so silly. If you're sick of plays with dismal subject matter, then this is the one to really cheer you up.
Until 31 August. Today 10:45pm.
