The Business They Call "Show"

By Cathryn Setz BBC Southern Counties

"Bedecked in pink glitter and camp as Christmas, the audience was transported to another era entirely. Forget post-modern, the Pink Paradiso was an extravaganza of 1920s Berlin-style decadence.

Under the masterful direction and choreography of Drew Wood, The Old Market Theatre saw a run of spectacular cabaret in the form of the Pink Paradiso on 23 - 26 August, 2006.

This is what it must have been like in the heady days of the 'twenties: those slightly seedy yet gorgeous Berlin clubs a la Liza Minelli in the film 'Cabaret', with sexy chair dancing and everything. I quite forgot it was 2006, so evocative was the experience.

From Rachel Weston's chilling soprano in a gorgeous rendition of 'Summertime' to George Ikediashi's rich and soulful 'Moon River', the Paradiso tap-danced its way across the entire vaudeville stomping ground. Not bad for Hove.

Nathan Zorchak's chainsaw juggling brought a wave of wincing to the house. The "Wagettes," hearty belly-laughs. The voice of Stephanie Yeboah spun gold and Robert James' dressing-room ballad 'Mascara' moved many to tears. In short: The Pink Paradiso raised the roof."