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drinks Monday 2 June 08
DUBLIN ... Colman Higgins describes the scope and history of Dublin Gay Theatre Festival ... and reviews two of its shows ... Down Dangerous Passes Road ... Confessions of A Mormon Boy /// LONDON ... film on now ... La Question Humaine / Heartbeat Detector /// BRIGHTON ... It's on till 26 May and here's at least 20 Things you might want to know about Brighton Fringe /// PEOPLE ... Who was there at Fringe Report's First Monday 5 May - photographs & article /// CULTURE ... One Culture ... film screening 30 May booking now ... details
Gary Le Strange in Polaroid Suitcase
Verdict: Face-warrior of delight
Edinburgh - Underbelly - August 03
It's by way of understatement to say that Gary Le Strange's appearance catches the eye.
There's a short tartan skirt, black Doc Marten boots, black tights, yellow scarf tied from a gold lamé belt, white silk shirt with yellow front and frilled cuffs, loose purple silk tie, white powdered face, post-box-red lipstick smeared off the side of his mouth, black forehead scar, a beauty spot and black cross on opposite cheeks, blond hair blow-dried wild, black left glove, kohled eyes with grey mascara extending into double crosses to the sides, a black slash painted over his left eye.
'Greetings Warriors, to my Byronic Land of Pop', invites Gary. Warriors, because, as Gary's quick to point out, it's warpaint he's wearing, inspired by the Comedia Del Arte. Just don't say New Romantic. He's a Neo-Regency Face Warrior - 'Fashion, not bombs, is my weapons.'
Gary's a singer first, discreet dresser second, and he's here to deliver six of the finest songs from his new album Polaroid Suitcase. Gary's looking at stages of his past through the songs. The album's so-called, he explains, because it's like his brain - seeing in photographs, and, like a suitcase, going somewhere. First up is Ballerina - 'My tribute to Rudolf Nureyev.' Gary's voice is - indescribable.
Gary reveals brief tantalising snatches of his past. It began at St Adam's Art College, where he studied - art. With mate Philip, he formed The Radiators Of Death - later changed to Madame No-Nos.
I'm Japanese is a lively tribute to his Japanese fans. Gary calls Prince Charles 'an industrial electronic piece.' It mixes the Princess Diana story with a Cindarella who crashes her pumpkin in a Paris underpass - 'You're remembered because you very nearly married Prince Charles.'
For Robots, from Gary's druggy period, he's wearing the same makeup, but nips offstage to change into tight shiny black plastic trousers and an unzipped top. 'I'm the bionic Lord of Pop. No longer Byronic, because this is my Pervy Cyborg costume.' During this career-stage, Gary and former band partner Philip set up a mobile club called the Marquee Facade.
Is My Toaster Sentient? was the first song of Gary's solo career. Bitter at the break-up? The opening line: 'Sitting in a gas mask / Waiting for World War Three to begin' sets the tone. And there's JG Ballard's cat-love, Nazi Stormtroopers, alienation - and make-up.
For finale Grey, Gary becomes 'My alternative stage persona, Earl Grey.' There's a costume change: Black boots and tights, grey kilt, open long-sleeved grey shirt, grey waistcoat, short grey cloak, small silver top hat, grey moustache, monocle made from half a pair of glasses.
It's a rousing number ('I like grey. I guess silver is OK. In a shiny sort of way'). It was also a turning point, as Gary explains. 'I got out. I fucking hate grey. I invented the face warriors.' The rest is the future.
Credits (alpha order): Written and performed - Waen Shepherd. Door - Kate Darby. Technicals - Underbelly Staff. Company - It's Alright For Some.
END
John Park
reviewed Friday 22 August 03 / Edinburgh / Underbelly Belly Laugh
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2008
