This production was playing at this years Edinburgh Fringe and is described as “…a five star…” production and was also a sell out at the fringe. The multi-award-winning duo of Zak Ghazi-Torbati and Toby Marlow bring an unusual show to The Trafalgar Studios 2 (official link) until 5th January 2019.
Billed as ‘Just like A Christmas Carol – but with fewer ghosts and more gays – the dynamic double-act sing, shimmy and sashay the audience on a time travelling adventure through the history of their favourite topic: themselves.’ it sounded unusual and perfect for a post New Year celebration.
I booked my tickets and they were delivered by post promptly before the event and I was excited to attend
Running at 1 hour and 15 minutes without an interval, the fun begins when the cast – Zak and Toby – mingle and interact amongst the waiting crowd as you enter the auditorium. This is a great touch and sets the scene nicely for what is to come!
As you walk the small corridor to the entrance of the auditorium, they have used photos of themselves in the pictures of previous shows that are framed on the walls – this makes for a great laugh as you read the titles and pictures, again setting the tone of the piece.
Trafalgar Studio 2 is a smaller venue with seats arranged in three blocks with an aisle in between. There is a block of seats on stage left, a larger block of seats centre and a smaller section stage right. All the seats in the studio are twin, padded bases and are very comfy with quite a lot of leg room too (obviously the front row has the most space but you have to be aware of the stage area) and a padded fixed back rest. The numbers are clearly visible too, making finding your seat easy.
My seat, C26, was on the back row of the stage facing section and had a great view of the stage, so square on to the stage.
As you take your seats, Zak and Toby continue welcoming the audience by greeting the audience members and interacting with those already sat such as asking about Christmas or New Tear or commenting on the show. The stage is simple and works well. The back of the stage is a silver glitter curtain which is made up of smaller strips and runs along the whole back wall. On this wall, fixed in front of the curtain are four large pink clear plastic initials H, G, T and M for the ‘Hot Gay Time Machine’. There are a series of strip lighting at various points on the back of stage wall which are used to good effect. Around the walls of the venue are fairy lights which are used to good effect. Stage left centre is a keyboard (on a suitably pink stand) and on stage left is a microphone stand (in same pink paint) and a chair. Overall the set is simple but also great and works well for the show.
The show relies on the interaction between Zak and Toby and that between them and the audience – on the show I saw, this worked really well and made the show.
Zak Ghazi-Torbati (playing himself) is excellent and has a great stage presence and singing voice. He manages to interact well with Toby to create the duo but also is strong enough to create his own identity. I loved the song about ‘sleeping with gay friends’ and the hilarity he created.
Toby Marlow (playing himself) is excellent as a pianist and singer. He has a great stage presence which works well with Zak and creates a fun duo. Playing the slighter camper role, he has excellent facial expressions and asides which enhance this. A great singing voice ensures that the solo and harmonies work well.
Overall this is a camp, fun, lighthearted production which manages to raise a few social comments whilst posing a few questions which get you thinking about the LGBTQ community, however you identify. Great fun and an excellent evening of fun and laughter!
NUMB BUM 