Salty Brine: Bigmouth Strikes Again – The Smiths Show – Soho Theatre, Soho

Reviewer: Christine Stanton

Creator: Salty Brine

Director: Shaun Peknic

“Charismatic Cabaret”

4 / 5

If someone pitched that combining Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein alongside a cabaret re-working of The Smith’s The Queen is Dead album would be a hit, you would think they’d lost the plot, but somehow, bizarrely it not only works, but is hilariously entertaining and engaging throughout.

The success of this show is ultimately down to New York cabaret royalty; Salty Brine being an impeccable performer – charismatic, confident and crude he captures the attention of the audience from the very second he tiptoes onto the stage waving around his huge candelabra (not a euphemism, it’s an actual candelabra). The overarching vibe of the evening is very much Halloween glamour – the occasional spooky atmospheric shift encouraged with lighting changes, and the consistent theme of fabulous running throughout from Kate Fry’s excellent costume designs. His talented accompanying band (Will Clark – Violinist, Migdalia van der Hoven – Drummer, Jess Martin – Bassist, Ben Moss – Pianist/Musical Director) help to give each song their own unique sound.

Although being a Smiths or Frankenstein fan helps – it isn’t a pre-requisite. Salty performs each song and leads the audience through the plot of the story so well that no-one is left behind except some of the characters in the book (sorry Elizabeth – we just never saw it coming!). Merged in between the novel, are some tidbits about Mary Shelley’s personal life, as well as some of Salty’s – personable moments such as being bullied by the Jocks in school being brilliantly tarnished with Salty’s smutty humour and carefree attitude. There are also a variety of filthy poems written by Salty Brine – quick and entertaining they are almost commercial-esque in their purpose, a short break from the ‘main event’ while still keeping on theme and never once breaking tone.

Considering there is a lot going in with this show, it would be easy to assume that it is quantity over quality – but that’s definitely not the case. Salty’s vocals are excellent, the storytelling skills are sublime and the way everything is neatly woven together without becoming convoluted or overbearing is extremely impressive. It’s a unique concept that has been bought to life by a creative genius – much like Frankenstein and the monster itself.

Runs Until 16 September 2023