Review – The Sexual Awakening of Virginia Poppycock

School teacher and Francophile, Virginia Poppycock, is on a mission to find a man. There’s only one problem: she’s a 26-year-old virgin who doesn’t believe in sex before marriage. This comedy cabaret is naughty and playful, weaving together exciting, unfamiliar songs from American musicals to create a story about a strange girl’s obsession with sex and Paris.

From the moment creator and performer Elena Gabrielle enters as Virginia, the audience is engulfed by her infectious charisma and endearing dorky-ness. Like a small animal being electrocuted, Virginia is wide-eyed and bushy-tailed, shocking the audience with the contradiction of her sweet voice singing dirty lyrics (accompanied by the talented Declan McGavin on piano). Enter Marco Fusco as Mr Richard Scrotumsberry the Third (you can call him Dick). Fusco’s energy explodes onto stage with total commitment to being a sleaze you can’t help but adore. His solo rendition of ‘Love Your Vagina’ is not to be missed!

At times throughout the show there were moments when the audience seemed uncomfortable (maybe because it was a Wednesday, maybe because they weren’t drunk enough to be straddled by a stranger), and it seemed like the performers took a step back. However, after the interval their vibrancy returned with a vengeance, and a touch of burlesque. Unfortunately the burlesque element of the show cheapened the story (for me), taking me out of the world Elena Gabrielle had crafted so cleverly up until that point.

Overall, The Sexual Awakening of Virginia Poppycock is a fun, light, energetic and cheeky cabaret with audience participation that will have you laughing and clapping along. Head along on Wednesday the 10th of April for speed dating after the show, hosted by Miss Virginia Poppycock herself; a perfect opportunity to find Mr or Mrs Right-Now.