Thanks to Roger Regular, who is once again sharing his experience of music at Ryde Theatre. Ed
Shanklin Freak Show, wow what a night, it was certainly a light fantastic at their CD launch.
I’ll try to set the scene; lots of brightly coloured balloons throughout the dance floor, glitter on and off the stage, more than two genders popping out for the night, loads of eye-liner and make-up; that was just the men.
The compare for the night was a pin-striped trouser, Basque wearing, thorn crowned person who went under the name of Jesus.
Up first was the pleasant Paul McCann (Plushy Edwards – pictured below left) with his unique style of music, a slight change to his style from a year ago but great none the less. Paul was joined for a short while by Puzzle Muteson who added another dimension to Paul’s set. I always enjoy hearing something different with conviction.
Second up was Electro Magnetic Workshop (pictured below right), an amazing transvestite group with lots of colour and humour. They played their part convincingly with a rocky-horror-show style set. His skirt could have been an inch or two longer for me.
The third band was the incredible Joe Black (pictured below left). This band is an alternative band with a mind blowing sound and costume set. Apart from the sound, the band was visually dressed in theatrical gear, with two of the girls acting in mime the songs from Joe himself. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole Joe Black experience and hope to see them again.
Before going on to Shanklin Freak Shows main set, I’ll tell you about the “in between” the acts.
Apart from the compare that did a good job, there was a stilt walker, who during one act, put what looked like a six inch nail up his nose, a fire eater and a staged murder. The murdered victim was cut-up and bits thrown to the appreciative audience. Shanklin Freak Show had a banquet with the other body parts. I suppose this was to give them strength for their set.
The headline act, Shanklin Freak show chose this night to launch their CD.
By now everyone had a fantastic night of entertainment with plenty of theatrics and circus style acts. But that was not enough for S.F.S. so on they came, with a colourful set and lots of activity “A Light Fantastic”.
The music was fresh and alternative. Before finishing for the night, a rocking stilt walker joined in, along with a nurse and not-so-dead murdered victim (what a relief).
By the end of the night, those who felt the need to go on stage and soak-up even more atmosphere, did so.
This night was one of the most exciting nights at the venue I have had. S.F.S. had put a lot of effort into not just the music but the whole night’s entertainment for us. Thanks for signing my CD lads.
By the way; Shanklin Freak Shows aim in life? Complete world domination and even practiced their new greeting with the appreciative audience.
Roger Regular
