Review: Bad Clowns and Good Friends, Fusebox

It’s always fun to head somewhere new for a show, especially when it also doesn’t involve a tube ride halfway across London! Kingston’s Fusebox is certainly not a place you’d instantly associate with cabaret, but perhaps it should be, because let’s be honest, South-west London is seriously lacking in venues! In fact, Fusebox is probably not even a place that many people even know exist, something else that really needs to be changed.

The large underground space, complete with its historic brickwork that formed part of the first ever Thames crossing (perfect for history buffs), might at first seem a rather cavernous space for a cabaret show, or any show in fact. However, somehow they transform it into something more intimate and suitable; a large black curtain to reduce the space, a collection of round tables that really give a feel of a comedy club, and a few fake candle lights, because, well, why not. It’s more than enough to transform the space into what’s required.

But we’re not here for a guided tour, rather for comedy trio The Bad Clowns and whoever they have invited along to tonight’s performance. The three members of Bad Clowns are very much the overdosed-on-sugar type comperes, bounding onto the stage and instantly working the audience. It’s impossible not to get drawn into the energy they bring, and even with the smallish audience present tonight, they quickly get plenty of suggestions for their opening improv sketch. A later piece of improv recreating the first kiss between a couple in the audience is given a fun twist by asking the couple to buzz in whenever they don’t get something factually correct, although it’s doubtful there was a cat present at the original kiss, and certainly not one that could be ridden!

The guests for this evening all bring a different comedy to the stage. Emmy Fyles opens with some traditional standup, her closing comments on a former job in the Houses of Parliament certainly got the audience onside, but it’s the introduction of the second act of the evening, Chris East, that quickly turns things more surreal. Walking on with a large cardboard box and working the crowd up into a chant of “box, box, box”, East establishes the tone nicely. There are some wonderful moments, but it’s a set that needs a little more cohesion; at times he seems to fade out, as if wondering where to go next. But nonetheless, the man with a box is an act I’d certainly watch again!

As is Alexander Richmond, or as he calls himself, “Normal” Al Yankovic. It’s a persona with plenty of possibilities: who would have thought someone stopping to complete a crossword could be mined for such comedy!

The final act, Aunty Ginger, is the almost compulsory drag act for any cabaret. Ginger is everything you’d expect; smutty, suggestive, and completely over the top, so absolutely perfect to close the evening. There’s just the right balance of picking on the audience without ever risking making anyone feel uncomfortable, a skill that is probably easier said than done.

Fusebox is a lovely hidden gem along the Kingston riverside. They are clearly trying to bring something different into the town, and for that they deserve high praise. As well as presenting these cabaret nights, they are a creative youth organisation, although it’s safe to say Bad Clowns and Good Friends is not one to take your young children along to see! It’s a fun relaxing night out, perfect if you just want an evening out with friends, a few drinks and none of the hassle of travelling too far!

Presented by: The Bad Clowns

Bad Clowns and Friends will next perform at Fusebox on Thursday 24 April.