What has been, arguably, one of the most diverse shows of the Dublin Fringe Festival so far, bedazzled punters last night in the Spiegeltent at the IFSC. Rouge - La Petite Mort, Encore! thrilled, entertained and shocked the assembled troupe of culture vultures, who weren't quite sure what to expect in the first place.
Directed by Tonie Walsh (and his innovative Mr. T Productions) and Tracy Martin, it was a night of burlesque, cabaret, music and comedy - which had the audience hooked, like Kate Moss to a bag of blow. MC for the evening was man-about-town Gringo O'Hara, who kept proceedings flowing like the water outside in Georges Dock.
Featuring comedian Katherine Lynch, Panti and Veda Beaux Reves, Paddy Fagin, The Shannon Cailins and a collection of assorted other fabulous degenerates, the show attracted a huge crowd, many of who continued the party on at the SpiegelClub and beyond to Savage at The Hub.
Businessman Paddy Bollard, Fringe Fest executive producer Bea Kelliher, Daragh Lally, interior designer Peter Willis, Ann Marie Ryan and Tina McLoughlin, Rob Martin and Karim Rehmani - White were among those I spotted.
Let's hope Rouge becomes a more regular fixture on the scene. The Fringe Festival continues until the 2nd of October.
