ALL THAT GLITTERS at the Rosemary Branch Theatre
★★½
“with some work it could be laugh out loud funny”
All That Glitters – a comedy drama set in a popular burlesque club – is the debut show from Made You Look Productions. When seasoned dancer Lexi (Kate Coulson) takes newbie Selene (Rosie Bridges) under her wing, an unlikely friendship forms. Exploring loyalty, female friendship and bodily autonomy, the show combines dance, lip sync and political commentary in its short 45-minute runtime.
Coulson and Bridges have good chemistry between them especially in the dance numbers, but their acting is unfortunately rather awkward. Conversations don’t flow naturally and the pauses for contemplation are never quite the right length of time. The characterisation of Lexi and Selene is good – we know who they are the moment they walk on stage. Selene’s character also has added intrigue as she deals with a possessive partner who doesn’t like her newfound career path.
The show’s biggest weakness however is probably its length. There isn’t quite enough time to get invested in the characters. Lexi’s plotline with the venue’s manager Crystal needs fleshing out in particular. A further 15 or 20 minutes to add more context would go a long way but the general plot is good.
The dance sequences are fine – they are best when also comic. Though a slightly outdated reference, the strongest is when Lexi and Selene dance to ABBA’s Money, Money, Money whilst wearing masks of Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt stomping on the EU flag. In addition, at the beginning of some dances, Lexi addresses the theatre audience as if we are the audience for her burlesque show. This is an enjoyable piece of engagement work and more would be welcomed.
“All That Glitters has potential”
The set is simple but used well. Three white boxes containing props and costumes are moved around the stage to make seats, platforms, something to lean on. A set of strip lights are in a square on the back wall and lit up when a dance is taking place. The stage lights are turned off and on again rapidly to signal a change in scene. These are sometimes a bit too fast and make it unclear that we have switched to a different time – especially when the characters do not change positions.
The base of both Lexi and Selene’s outfits are mini leather shorts and a bodice but layers are applied and taken off throughout the show for a variety of different outfits. Changes are done relatively quickly from behind the boxes – something larger to shield the two actors might be good for a better reveal in the future.
All That Glitters has potential. It has a fun storyline and two interesting characters to explore. You will chuckle at the script and with some work it could be laugh out loud funny. I am excited to see what Made You Look Productions do next.
ALL THAT GLITTERS at the Rosemary Branch Theatre
Reviewed on 2nd August 2023
by Flora Doble
Photography courtesy Made You Look
More shows reviewed by Flora:
Cuckoo | ★★½ | Royal Court | July 2023
Peter Smith’s Diana | ★ | Soho Theatre | July 2023
After The Act | ★★★★★ | New Diorama Theatre | March 2023
Gay Witch Sex Cult | ★★★★★ | VAULT Festival 2023 | February 2023
Kings of the Clubs | ★★★ | VAULT Festival 2023 | February 2023
Le Gateau Chocolat: A Night at the Musicals | ★★★★ | Soho Theatre | January 2023
Who’s Holiday! | ★★★ | Southwark Playhouse Borough | December 2022
Diana: The Untold And Untrue Story | ★★★★ | Pleasance Theatre | November 2022
All That Glitters
All That Glitters
Click here to read all our latest reviews
