Dusty Limits: Mandrogyny

• Gareth K Vile
• 14 August 2018

A kinder, gentler cabaret - with a twist

Previous Dusty Limits' solos shows have often been scabrous, even nihilistic blends of political rage, smooth vocals and Weimar decadence: Mandrogyny has less of Limits' libertine lean, and sees the artist transitioning into a gentler, albeit still sardonic and melancholic, proposition.

The revival of a bitter commentary on the fading of human compassion under Tory rule aside, Limits is more focussed on a playfully pessimistic view of human relationships: the show's finale has him commenting on the mundanity of the performer's life, while episodes from his life – although he admits that he may have embellished the truth, or just be making it up – cover a jaded collection of loves and losses.

Somehow, the songs maintain a wry humour and a boundless compassion for human experience: the broad hedonism of cabaret is tightened to a series of reflections on how love and lust can bring their own rewards, even in failure.

Reviewed at Voodoo Rooms, 10 Aug, run ended.