Review – Lili la Scala: Siren
The frayed velvet curtain is pulled back and we are admitted to the tent. The walls are lined with mirrors which, as if worn by the number of reflections they have shown, now only reflect mere smudges of colour and the dim glow of the lights. Tables and chairs are clustered under the round, squished in between ornate pillars decorated in garish colours and vaguely erotic figures – a truly old world atmosphere of aged romance and passed decadence. And then she speaks….
Lili La Scala, as she introduces herself, is at first an ingratiating voice – resonating with controlled tone and a certain romantic rhythm. In speech, and even more so in song, she shows herself to be an adept Siren for her seemingly self-titled cabaret show. With an unparalleled mix of flawless presentation, charm and vintage glamour, La Scala less leads so much as woos you down the path of a nautical-themed journey composed of a variety of bewitching and haunting songs, enriched and enlivened with cheeky humour and wit. These “found songs”, the sheet music which has found its way into the artist’s private hoard and inspired the show, encompass composers and artists such as Kurt Wells, Ivor Novella, Nick Cave, and even several works by Michael Heath written specifically for Siren. It is scarcely to be believed that so much can be packed into a single hour, and yet in La Scala’s presence time stops and you find yourself spellbound.
Flawless performance skills, ease of interaction with her audience and the ability to gracefully ascend and descend an upright piano in a full length evening gown – an accolade to be sure – make Lili La Scala’s Siren an experience not to be missed!
