Review: DIVA: LIVE FROM HELL, King’s Head Theatre
Photo credit: Danny Kaan
Diva: Live From Hell has risen from the ashes and sashayed its way back into London after a previously successful run at The Turbine Theatre. Directed by Joe McNeice, it’s now playing at The Kings Head Theatre, before embarking on a stint at the Edinburgh Fringe. Luke Bayer leads this one man Heathers meets High School Musical cabaret confessional.
Set amongst the depth of hell in the seventh circle cabaret club, we meet Desmond Channing who relives his life (and death) story for our pleasure, and his! A seemingly normal teenage boy to start with, we are told stories from his time as ‘president of the Ronald Regan high school drama club’ to coming under the threat of new student and all round heartthrob jock, Evans Harris. Never one to shy away from the spotlight, Channing now invites us to take a look back on his extraordinary journey to hell.
The ridiculously talented Luke Bayer reprises his role and is a tour de force in this ultimate one man show. Not only does he star as the witty Desmond Channing but also arch nemesis Evan Harris and every other character simultaneously. Many characters come and go, each one cleverly defined with hilarious traits that constantly leave the audience bowled over with laughter with an admiral display of skilled character development. Bayer has displayed his vulnerability and vocal abilities in shows such as Everybody’s Talking About Jamie but this perhaps is his greatest role yet. A true all-round performance encapsulated by seamlessly acting through song with soaring vocals, even duetting with himself at times, to piercing deadpan looks and even a show-stopping tap number in ‘The Big Time’. Bayer has surpassed expectations at bringing this entertaining if horrifying reprobate back to life.
Musical theatre enthusiasts will rejoice with the piece filled with niche musical theatre references throughout. Fans will revel in the references to Patti Lupone and Glenn Close and whilst not all of them may be familiar to all theatregoers, this does nothing to detract from the impeccable comic writing of Nora Brigid Monahan. The script doesn’t take itself too seriously and has a plethora of moments drawing roars of laughter, particularly when we are informed there is no water in hell - “just the sweat of Bob Fosse’s balls”. Within the writing, there is something for everyone in Diva: Live From Hell!
Alexander Sage Oyen’s songs match the script in allowing Bayer to fully embody the many roles. Each allows Bayer a different intensity of performance and are reminiscent of Broadway inspired classics. Whilst they wouldn’t necessarily be ringing in your ears on the way home, each compliments the story in right way. The exception being ‘Live From Hell’ which has an instant earworm, grabbing you in the opening number. Other stand out songs include ‘Strong!’ and ‘His Best Friend’, both providing Bayer the differing levels of playfulness he needs when multi rolling these crazy complex characters. Pip Terry’s set design is reminiscent of an American high school whilst using the small but ample space of the theatre effectively. With nothing more than a few props to bring this show to life, it’s incredible how all aspects of the production allow the story to be told in such a convincing way.
Bayer is already well renowned as one of the West End’s most talented actors and incredible vocalists, however this multi layered formidable performance proves he is so much more. If you fancy 70 minutes of pure unadulterated fun, leaving you with a smile on your face and laughter induced stomach pain, then get yourself down to hell immediately!
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Jordan Potts
Diva: Live from Hell plays at the King’s Head Theatre until 29 June, with further info here.
