GISELLE REMIX. ⚝⚝⚝⚝
The Pleasant Theatre ,London
Giselle: Remix is a sexy, lip-synching, queer balletic-dance extravaganza by Jack Sears and Hannah Grennell. This fabulous show traces a young queer person’s love/sex journey from teenage dreams of a romantic life with a Prince Charming through to the more likely options of Grindr hook-ups, sex parties and hardcore club nights. The angst of not fulfilling their youthful hopes and desires is gradually replaced by self-acceptance in this innovative, energetic new work. Sears and Grennell say their creation is based on the classic nineteenth century ballet Giselle, but the connection is very loose and they should actually give themselves credit for having created a new, far more relevant, production.
The show begins with a lip-synching drag performance by a guest drag superstar whom has, in turn, been Kit Green, Jonny Woo or Lavinia Co-op. Tonight was Lavinia-Co-op and the magnificent 73-year-old legend didn’t disappoint. Sears then takes centre stage as the young Giselle, together with four young dancers, (the super-energetic and talented Harri Eiffert, Elle Fierce, Spike King and Marie Astrid Mence). Dressed in delicate tulle their first dance piece is a humorous portrayal of Giselle’s dream of finding the love of her life. More dance and lip-synching scenes follow and we see Giselle gradually lose her innocence and begin an exploration of the heavier side of queer nightlife. The tulle gets replaced by latex and other black club outfits. The quest for sweet love is replaced by the quest for hard sex, with the dance scenes and soundtrack getting harder and darker. A full range of emotions are explored from shame, assimilation, anger, acceptance through to liberation and joy. The importance of respect within the queer community is also emphasised – from honouring our trailblazing queer elders, to setting an example to the next generations following in our footsteps.
There’s a lot of talent on show, and everyone effortlessly shares the Pleasance Theatre’s beautiful round white stage. Sears and the dancers shine, with their facial expressions as communicative as their movement. The brilliant choreography was designed collaboratively by everyone on stage, as well as Hannah Grennell, and is complemented by an amazing soundtrack by Sound Designer Rhys Cook AKA Oberon White. He seamlessly combines tracks by queer icons from Judy Garland to Sophie, contemporary Berlin-esq electronica with excerpts from gay porn and iconic declarations of love from TV and film. Genius. Costume Designer Laura Rose Moran-Morris has also done a good job – especially with the tulle and the latex. Wonderful, inventive, queer storytelling.
On until 27th April at The Pleasance Theatre, 5 Carpenters Mews, North Road, London N7 9EF.
Queerguru’s Contributing Editor Ris Fatah is a successful fashion/luxury business consultant (when he can be bothered) who divides and wastes his time between London and Ibiza. He is a lover of all things queer, feminist, and human rights in general. @ris.fatah
