The Rocco Cabaret
03 May 1999
Fringe Marquee.
An unseasonal change in the weather meant that the Fringe Festival’s Rococo Cabaret at the Marquee in Victoria Park was not as well attended as it could have been, but there were enough musical laughs to spread a little warmth for those present.
The cabaret kicked off with Lorraine Brown, an exuberant performer who sang, danced and wise-cracked while performing on keyboards, clarinet and modified umbrella handle.
The best act of the night was Earl Okin, a dignified, balding man in a well-appointed suit with the appearance of a bank manager and the illusion that he is irresistible to the opposite sex. He sang a number of hilarious songs, accompanying himself on the guitar and playing some very impressive mouth trumpet.
The show was brought to a close by Alessandro, an Italian singer and guitarist who promised an amalgam of flamenco, opera and punk. In spite of a fine voice and an abundance of energy, he didn’t quite manage to deliver all that he promised. Still, he did manage a few laughs with his water-squirting guitar and a finale in which he all but swallowed the microphone.
Matthew Zuckerman