REVIEW: Zhooshy Cabaret, Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Fringe ✭✭✭✭

Paul T Davies reviews Zhooshy Cabaret at the Colchester Fringe Festival.

Zhooshy Cabaret, Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Fringe Festival 4 Stars Colchester Fringe Festival Website Cabaret is an essential part of any Fringe Festival and combine that with the strong and talented local LGBTQ+ community, and you’re in for a terrific night’s entertainment. Staged at the beautiful and atmospheric Colchester Arts Centre, the local talent was out in force! Hosted by the inimitable Tracey Paper, (Dan Dellar Thompson), and having to deal with her disruptive sister Sugar Paper, (Lisa Warnock), the show celebrated all things Pride, but also had a sequence highlighting anti-LGBTQ protests and anti-Drag protests here in Colchester, a respectful nod to our history to the tune of Taylor Swift’s You Need To Calm Down. Sirena Hart provided live vocals, in particular a stunning version of Purple Rain, and local legend Shar Cooterie (accompanied by Adam Saiz Abo-Henriksen), sang two songs from her hit show Swung Low. Kenzie Blackheart shone as Shania, and travelled all the way from Basildon, sealing the internal flavour of the festival! It was a wonderful celebration for queers and allies and straights, truly inclusive, and a perfect showcase for local talent!