The Gilded Merkin is a cabriolet and burlesque show like no other!
Firstly, a big shout out the venue, the Spiegeltent. I had no idea what this was so an hour before the show I googled to get driving directions. So, ‘Spiegel’ is Dutch for ‘Mirror’, so literally mirror tent. Not too helpful, but I did learn that these tents were originally made in Belgium in the late 19th Century and have been travelling Europe for 100 years, as well further afield over the more recent decades. There wasn’t as many mirrors as the name would indicate, but they were strategically placed!
We sat in a booth around the edge in order to fully soak up the atmosphere in style, unfortunately there was a pillar between me and the stage! Luckily, this had a mirror on it, which reflected the view from the mirrors on the wall, allowing me to see through the pillar! Those crafty 19th century buggers!! The tent was amazing, you have to go inside to fully appreciate it and I highly recommend that you do!
Now, the show itself, our host was Kiki deVille, an outspoken edgy Australian who has probably won the lottery and living the high life on a tropical island right now (at one stage she had the audience chanting to the universe for good luck in the lottery!!) The shows are put together by the dark and mysterious Scarlett Daggers. Beautiful, sexy, talented with a hint of edge, echoes of a heroine from the Sin City franchise; Ms Daggers amazed and delighted in equal amounts. I imagine she has broken hearts beyond counting and this reviewer was surely smitten!
The stand out performance of the show for me was the Victorian gentleman, The Mighty Moustache. A fine gentleman he was indeed, and funny as many a stand-up, his was a powerful performance that had the crowd chanting his name. A true fan favourite!!
The show was supplemented well by some fine fire and spike work by the feline Missy Macabre, as well as some top-notch burlesque by the gorgeous Cherry Shakewell (and shake well she did!!!) and Coco Deville, some outstanding light and sound work by the engineers. The staff at the venue were friendly, chatty and really helpful, the booze flowed freely and the takeaway BBQ van outside sold some divine 16 hour smoked Beef Brisket that brought a tear to my eye and smile to my soul.
So go watch this show, now, tomorrow, and next month! You will not be disappointed (but don’t take the kids!)
Review by Abdul Khan
For more information about shows at the Spiegeltent see our page here Including info on the Gilded Merkins closing show at the Speigeltent on 8th October.
For more information about The Gilded Merkin see their page www.gildedmerkin.co.uk
