Review: LUCY & FRIENDS, Soho Theatre

Last night, Soho Theatre was set on fire, covered by confetti and ketchup puree by performance artist and comedian Lucy McCormick. Lucy & Friends is an audacious, brilliant, shameless one women cabaret show that challenges the audience on so many different levels. There is not a dry moment on stage… And we mean this literally.

In a desperate bid to stage her show, Lucy rallies the audience, stepping in for co-performers who've dropped out, helping her to put on a performance. Unlike any conventional shows where the actor hides in the wings (yes, there is nothing conventional about this show), McCormick appears right as the doors open, dresses as a tree, preparing and giving tasks to the audience. Throwing confetti, lighting the actor with a torch, playing non speaking parts in the show etc. Right off the bat, she has the audience on her side, leaving them feeling like they are given a glimpse behind-the-scenes.

Coming in with 1000% energy, McCormick gets the audience hooked from the get-go. Her beautiful singing voice, along with absurd performances, leaves the audience delightfully perplexed. Combining a pole dance, a sing-a-long concert and a filthy masturbation, McCormick skilfully manipulates the audience’s emotions, oscillating between the grotesque, hysterical, and heartbreak. Her various cabaret acts include a cat imitation, singing an Adele’s song with a bed sheet over her head, an attempt to drink wine but spilling everywhere. They may seem chaotic but harmoniously coalesce. Her clownish attempts to please the audience, trying and failing slowly takes a turns into a realisation of her personal vulnerability in her real life relationships. The craving for connections hits the audience. It challenges the audience, at what point do they see through the act and get real with another vulnerable human being.

From the Edinburgh Festive Fringe to London, Lucy & Friends brings the audiences together, rooting for a character that keeps them on the edge at all times. McCormick masterfully sustains comedic tension, not one moment does she ever lose the audience. The fun and easy audience interactions are awkward yet enjoyable. It is not for everyone, but if you show up, you will surely gain some friends. I mean, we are all in the same WhatsApp group now. Us and Lucy.

***** Five Stars

Reviewed by Diana Feng

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