Review by Steve Bennett

Sveta Dobranoch is a seductive creation, all right. A lusty, vodka-soaked Russian version of Cabaret’s Sally Bowles, she prowls the audience for prey as her husky voice growls out aggressively sensual burlesque numbers.

But while the tempestuous Soviet-era character is dangerously compelling, her charisma is diminished by a melodramatic and surreal show that plays up the weirdness and puts moody atmosphere ahead of humour. Mesmerising though she is, there needs to be more than her smouldering torch songs for this to feel like a comedy festival show, and less like karaoke night in downtown Vladivostok.

For her backing group Dobranoch’s creator Simoncee Page Jones has recruited sketch group Suitcase Royale, donning appealing bear heads to fit their new name. It’s a visual treat, like the entire show – and that’s even before the generously-proportioned Sveta starts shedding her clothing.

If she took to the stage during a mixed-bill cabaret night, Dobranoch’s raw, tempestuous kitsch would go down a treat. But strung along over an hour with a back-story involving her being the first woman born in space now seeking to replicate the lost love of her live Mohammed Jones – aka Mo-Jo – by falling so easily into the arms of strangers, the effect is weakened.

There’s a thin line between cult hit and well-produced nonsense… and on this evidence the jury is still out as to which side the lascivious Dobranoch falls.

Review date: 14 Apr 2010
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett