TRICK OR TREAT: A HALLOWEEN CABARET

Crazy Coqs

★★★★

“a Halloween cabaret that treats audiences as intelligent music lovers rather than mere seekers of seasonal novelty”

The ‘Trick or Treat’ Cabaret at Crazy Coqs was a finely-tuned musical journey through murder songs, sung curses and other spooky delights. Singer-songwriter Michaela Betts and composer-pianist Colm Molloy performed an artfully curated playlist that included rarely performed gems from the darker corners of the musical canon. Don’t go expecting typical costume-party novelty fare—there wasn’t a “Monster Mash” in sight.

The duo kept the show dynamic and unpredictable by alternating between piano and vocals, as they performed a repertoire drawing on their Swedish Viking and Irish Pagan roots. The programming showcased the duo’s depth of musical talent and historical awareness – all delivered in an easy listening style. They balanced lighter material (including Richard O’Brien’s ‘Over at the Frankenstein Place’ from The Rocky Horror Show and ‘Scary’ by Bjork) with darker fare (including the traditional ballad, ‘The Cruel Mother’ and John Dowland’s ‘In Darkness Let Me Dwell’). The light-touch audience participation was charming – singalongs, waving light sticks and contributing candy to a trick-or-treat basket.

Whether at piano or microphone, both performers proved sensitive and dramatically acute, never overwhelming the material. This was a particularly notable achievement, given that the show was self-directed.

The guest performers were two highlights of the evenings. Molloy joined guest flautist Jacquelyn Hynes on the tin whistle for an ethereal medley of enchanting ancient Irish folk songs. Hynes’ presentation—complete with flowing red hair adorned with green fairy lights—added visual magic to match her playing. That contrasted cleverly with their second guest performer, the equally talented Sarah Kershaw who accompanied the duo on the Theremin, which provided a charming retro-futuristic interlude. The instrument’s wavering tones were supernaturally suited to Halloween atmospherics.

The staging, lighting and sound (all provided by Stella Pavoni) were flawless. She struck the perfect balance, creating atmosphere without gimmickry and ensuring every word and note landed with clarity. It’s a tiny venue with a slick operation that supported the performers to give a lovely evening’s entertainment.

If there’s a quibble, the playlist occasionally felt more showcase than cohesive narrative, though the historical context provided by the performers helped bind the eclectic material together.

Betts and Molloy have created a Halloween cabaret that treats audiences as intelligent music lovers rather than mere seekers of seasonal novelty. Their affection for each other and this music is infectious. Combined with their display of considerable technical skills, the show makes for sixty minutes of hauntingly captivating musical theatre.

TRICK OR TREAT: A HALLOWEEN CABARET

★★★★

Crazy Coqs

TRICK OR TREAT: A HALLOWEEN CABARET

Crazy Coqs

★★★★

“a Halloween cabaret that treats audiences as intelligent music lovers rather than mere seekers of seasonal novelty”