bReview: SMASHED - The Nightcap
from Hey Dowling
at Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival
on now until 23 March
Words by Natalya Mandich-Dohnt
There are two rules in the Spiegeltent, declares our MC Victoria Falconer (a.k.a Daddy). Rule #1: We celebrate each other and ourselves. There is so much in this world that wants to bring us down, so in here we need to do it loudly and doubly. And boy, is there a lot to celebrate.
SMASHED - The Nightcap has made their first trip across the ditch and it is well worth the wait. This cabaret-circus feast of silly, sexy joy is taking up residence in Aotea Square’s newly installed Spiegeltent for Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival. The experience is fully curated right from the start: lush velvet and fringe interior, the four-piece band playing, a cocktail bar, and performers wandering through the audience (including Elektra Shock heckling those who do not have their tickets ready).
Daddy leads us through the night with her charm, humour, many costume changes, and utter musical talent on vocals, piano, violin, and accordion. I’m not sure there is anything that she can't do. Alongside the band, we are serenaded by her postmodern covers, originals, and at one point five accordions. It doesn’t take long before the audience is eating out of the palm of her hand.
A circus would be nothing without a troupe and this ensemble is spellbinding. These are 'capital p' Performers in full command of their craft, athleticism, showmanship, and artistry. It’s not hard to abide by Rule #1 for these 75 minutes of gravity and hip flexor defying acts, one can only shout and holler with joy!
Making her international debut, Tynga Williams sets the bar (quite literally) high for the rest of the night with her dancing, acrobatics, and lyra performance. Armed with flames and hula hoops, Malia Walsh enters chaotically with impeccable comedic timing and circus tricks. She also throws marshmallows out to the audience, I catch one and it is probably the best moment of my life.
The night flows seamlessly from one act to the next thanks to Daddy Victoria, even pausing to christen the new Spiegeltent stage with a shoey. Just when things couldn’t get more exciting, we are treated to a very special surprise guest for a musical quiz interlude (no spoilers on who, but if you know, you know).
Karlee Misi is enchanting with her burlesque strip-tease, dressed in to-die-for show girl attire. As a master of movement, she has us holding our breath with a singular gloved hand. Aotearoa Drag royalty, Elektra Shock, puts us to work with the Britney/Meg mashup of my dreams in her comedic aerobics dance spectacular. The final solo performance of the night is Eve Gordon on corde lisse. Their silhouette spins above us all as they are drenched in rain in a transcendent display of strength and grace.
SMASHED - The Nightcap is a celebration of the “weirdos and queerdos” and a testament to the sheer craftsmanship and talent of its company. Conceived by Victoria Falconer and Peta Spurling-Brown, directed by Amy Campbell, and produced by Hey Dowling, this is a thoughtfully curated production and a raucously good time.
Expect euphoric feats, a sexy soundtrack, and, if you’re lucky, liberation.
Oh, and what was Rule #2? The bar is always open.
95bFM 
