Review: Delightfully Dark, Aces and Eights

Victor Von Plume, known off stage as Sam Clarke, is a natural showman — very charismatic, with eyes and eyebrows that speak as much as his voice does. Delightfully Dark feels like classic, old-school cabaret: one small stage, one piano, and minimal tech. The simplicity of the set works in its favour, and Clarke knows how to make the most of it. 

Cloaked as a glittering grim reaper, complete with a sparkly scythe, he fills the stage. At one point, he instructs the audience to close their eyes to emulate a blackout for a costume change,  which turns out to be nothing more than the strategic ripping of a bit of Velcro. The theatrical grandiosity of his persona set against the pared-back venue becomes a sly metaphor for making the most of what you have — being your biggest, most dazzling self in a limited and short-lived world.

The songs are a clear strength. Clarke has a rich voice and a talent for crafting sharp, memorable tunes. The standout number, ‘So Many Ways to Die,’ showcases both his vocal range and mordant wit, while the final song reveals a more sincere, emotional side, both toward himself and toward death, in a tribute to a friend who died young. It ends on a bitter-silly note, with Clarke eating a packet of Mini Cheddars — a metaphor for our imperfect lives: we can either stress over their inevitable end or simply enjoy them for what they are. 

Between musical numbers, he delivers an array of witty lines on subjects such as what to wear to one’s own burial or cremation and the possibility of reincarnation. He also gives an unsuspecting audience member an entertaining tarot reading laced with cheeky innuendo. 

Crowd interaction is where Clarke truly shines. When he asks if anyone has had a near-death experience, the responses are unexpectedly vivid, and he dives into each with relish. Later, when two audience members both choose “cat” as their preferred reincarnation, he rolls his eyes and points out the absurdity of wasting the power of reincarnation on turning everyone into cats. He’s adept at spotting and amplifying the ridiculous in whatever the audience offers.

That said, the cabaret format, especially in the context of a stage show, proves to be somewhat of a double-edged sword. In a fuller, more energetic room, its loose structure might soar, but on review night, it sometimes dragged. At points, Clarke seemed to lose his way, with transitions between segments meandering and lacking drive. These clumsier stretches undercut an otherwise strong persona and performance style, and in weaker moments, he appeared to lose confidence and hold back from fully committing to his best material. Furthermore, the shift to a slightly heavier tone at the end could have hit harder and felt a little less disorientating if the rest of the show had a tighter flow. With a bit more planning and a sharper script, the pacing could improve without sacrificing the show’s spontaneous energy.

Delightfully Dark is at its best when Clarke leans into his charisma, sharp songwriting, and playful rapport with the audience. Even when the pacing falters, his wit, presence, and theatrical flair keep the show engaging. With more structure, Victor Von Plume could have a show that fully showcases his irrefutable charm. 

Written by: Victor Von Plume (Sam Clarke)

Delightfully Dark has completed its run at Aces and Eights