REVIEW: All That Glitters at Rosemary Branch Theatre 2 August – 5 August 2023

‘Smart, laugh-out-loud funny, and incredibly entertaining’ ★★★★

Kate Coulson's All That Glitters is a small show that delivers big impact. With the help of a simple but highly effective set, we're transported to the dressing rooms of a burlesque bar, where we meet veteran performer Lexi and newbie Selene. What follows is a stylish production that is smart, laugh-out-loud funny, and incredibly entertaining.

In this episodic, one-act two-hander, we follow the evolving and unlikely friendship of these two colourful and fully-realised characters. Kate Coulson as Lexi and Rosie Bridges as Selene both bring a genuine chemistry to their characters that gives the whole show a rare sparkle and energy, and both perform them confidently.

The backstage dialogue scenes are punctuated by uproarious musical set pieces, some of which are truly hysterical, and all performed with an infectious tongue-in-cheek joy. It is at once empowering, inspiring and provocative, and the feminist message behind some of these skits is both admirable and hilarious. Bringing it to life is Emily Haldane's choreography, which is effortless and sophisticated, adding to the sense that this is a show unafraid to think big.

I was impressed by the multi-purpose set, which evolves elegantly throughout the show, and some of the best, creative use of props and costume I've seen on the fringe so far. The light design is also effective, making for nice transitions between the backstage and onstage scenes, and Emily Susanne Lloyd's direction is sophisticated and satisfying, bringing to life the flamboyant burlesque and snappy dialogue.

This is clearly a piece that has received a lot of love and dedication, and where all the elements of theatre have been considered. So, although it'd be great to see this concept and these characters developed further, the show's small-but-mighty form, coming in at 50 minutes, and dynamic mode of performance, full of great music and slick comedy, makes for a fantastic bit of pub theatre between rounds. My only complaint is that it ended!

All That Glitters by Kate Coulson

Directed by Emily Susanne Lloyd

Rosemary Branch Theatre, 2 August – 5 August 2023

Box Office: https://camdenfringe.com/events/all-that-glitters/

Reviewed by Alix Owen