I'll be honest. Vampire Stories, including a 5-course themed degustation? My expectations weren't high; it all sounded a little bit, or a lot, like a Transylvanian take on Dirty Dicks, or something horrific from the Gold Coast. This despite overwhelmingly gratifying experiences at Slide, indubitably one of Sydney's classiest venues. But the wonderful thing about low expectations is the room they allow for pleasant surprise. Oh ye of little faith!Vampire Stories begins the moment you enter the foyer, where costumed (by Gallery Serpentine & Shane Dunn) staff, including one arising from a coffin, set the bloody tone.
We were quickly ushered to the bar, where not a moment was wasted plying us with champagne. In due course, we were seated and, within a short time, our hostess, billed as Clair de Lune, but announcing herself as the husband-hungry Black Widow (she goes through 'em like Kleenex) took the reins, attired in an all-black sadomasochistically-redolent-but-nonetheless truly-elegant costume and a weight of makeup Priscilla might baulk at. The face behind the mask of heavy foundation is Clair's alter-ego, Marc Kuzma, the creative driving-force behind Slide.
From there on in it's a pastiche of allusion, illusion, dance, acrobatics, magic, music, song and special fx. And, of course, food which, for the most part well-surpassed expectations and, in this case, bears discussion, as it's integral to the show and experience. Fortunately, the first three course were relatively devoid of gimmicks, and included soft-shell crab and respectable quail. A redbull-&-vodka sorbet with Jagermeister caviar couldn't really be said to pass that test and isn't going to appear any time soon, I shouldn't think, on Mark Best's menu. Nor, probably, the brain hemmorhage to follow, which featured a white-chocolate shell moulded to a comparable appearance as the vital organ, and a large syringe of red-berry sauce. Not cutting-edge cuisine, but one can't pretend it wasn't a lot of fun, in the way of Heston Blumenthal. Though I was surprised there was no ghoulash.
James Taylor (no, not that one) was responsible for choreography, which was of a very high standard and, I suspect, a whole lot better and more consistent than you'll experience committing hours to viewing So You Think You Can Dance.
There's an assortment of gothic characters, vividly realised and vaguely creepy, but the focus is more sensual and, in fact, downright sexy. Look out for Lil, mistress of the dark; Lestat; naughty 19th-century little girl, Claudia.
Arguably the most entertaining numbers are the homage to Michael Jackson, via Thriller and a comic reprise of a key, graphic scene from The Exorcist. It's clear Kuzma enjoys his Piaf, as a number of the little bird's classics are indulged. His voice isn't brilliant, let alone Piaf's, but he's not the only one having a good time.
Master illusionist Adam Mada (unbeknownst to me but, apparently, featured on a 9 network production, The Real Hussle) impressed me by making chocolate out of thin air and I've truly no idea (where were the strings) how he levitated and manipulated a small table, among other tricks up his sleeve.
Australian pole-dancing champions, Suzie Q & Stephen A Watson made it crystal-clear why they are, in flawless performances; a tough athletic act to follow, but trapeze-artist Toby Monson managed it effortlessly. Indeed, I can't imagine a better or more breathtaking circus act under any bigtop. And then there were the serial surprises of singing waiters: Andreas Rhonner, Brendan Irving and Ruth Schaumann. Actually, it's unjust, and sells them short, to describe them as such: they're very talented, impressive and seasoned singers and performers, who happen to wait.
It's a major investment in a large and upscale production, which runs all the way through to at least May which, I should think, it would need to, in order to recoup.
Slide is swish, swank, but still eminently comfortable; the staff are well above par and this show is about as glittering and glamourous as entertainment gets, Sydneyside. Or pretty much anywhere else, for that matter.
So, if you don't mind a bit of high-camp in-between your high-brow, suck it and see.
VAMPIRE STORIES
Venue: Slide | 41 Oxford Street Darlinghurst
Dates: March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2010
Times: Thursdays from 7pm
Tickets: $80 per person (includes 5 course dinner and show)
Bookings: www.ticketek.com.au |
Visit: www.slide.com.au
