Presented by Adelaide Festival Centre
Reviewed 15 June 2017
This is an entertainingly decadent cabaret performance that will not only have you grooving in your seats, but singing along to the most hilariously inappropriate and filthiest lyrics you’ll probably ever hear live on stage.
Formed in London in 1989, this Grammy nominated UK band really are at their best when they’re at their worst, bringing their most naughty and perverse tunes to the Adelaide stage for what truly is The Very Worst of the Tiger Lillies. Their playlist of songs range from deep, operatic ballads to up-beat, gypsy-style tunes, but all with a twist that is discovered once the lyrics begin…
This is definitely a show for those over the age of 16 with song subjects revolving around prostitution, pimps, alcoholism, specific sexual acts, the bitterness of aging, and the more morbid topics of drug-overdoses, torturing animals and murder. There may or may not also be simulated sex with musical instruments at some points as well as possible fake orgasm impressions.
Along with the wide array of song topics are the varying musical instruments that this three-piece band has mastered. As well as your basic guitars and drum set, the performance includes the exuberant sounds of an accordion, the head of a guitar (bizarre but true), a theremin (an instrument that needs no human contact and makes haunting sounds – Google it) and, of course, a saw (yes, a saw you would use to saw through wood with).
Singer-extraordinaire and accordion maestro, Martyn Jacques, leads the show with his high pitched, almost feminine vocals, reminiscent of the exuberantly dramatic Dame Edna Everidge – only more haunting. His unusual voice is paired with hypnotising hand gestures and over-the-top, mimed facial expressions enhanced by their signature black and white facial paint.
The Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent is the perfect venue for this performance. Its dark red curtains, wooden accents and dim lighting, combined with the stylistic character of the show, transport the audience into the raunchy world of nineteenth century European cabaret.
The Very Worst of the Tiger Lillies is a fantastically cringe-worthy, laugh-inducing performance for those who enjoy walking on the darker side of humour while also appreciating talented singers and musicians.
Reviewed by Georgina Smerd
Twitter: @Georgie_xox
Rating out of 5: 4
Venue: Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent, Adelaide CBD
Season: 16 – 17 June
Duration: 75 mins
Tickets: $25.95 – $56.90
Bookings: www.adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au
