Review: DAGMARR’S DIMANCHE: SONGS FROM THE CINEMA, Crazy Coqs
Photo credit: Ian Archer
A polished, sultry cabaret that brings classic film music to life with glamour, warmth, and theatrical flair.
Dagmarr’s Dimanche: Songs from the Cinema is a cabaret featuring golden-age, film-inspired music, hosted by Hersh Dagmarr, celebrating classic cinema through song. From the start when Dagmarr makes their sultry entrance, they command the small, intimate cabaret room, establishing their presence and the mood of the night.
Dagmarr carefully selects numbers that showcase their full, rounded voice, and suit them very well. Songs range from David Raskin’s theme from Laura to ‘Toi Jamais’ from 8 Women, and each is delivered with confidence and emotion. Dagmarr doesn’t just sing the songs, they embody the characters and moods within the music. Each number is introduced with a short anecdote or contextual story, adding charm and intimacy. However, clearer signposting of each song’s title and its film would help the audience connect more fully, particularly for the less familiar material.
There is a playful tap-dancing interlude which provides some humour. There is a fun, imperfect, off-sync sound effect, which suggests the tap is more theatrical and it works well within the cabaret context, adding a touch of self-aware comedy.
The pianist that accompanies Dagmarr is given a lovely moment of their own while Dagmarr changes outfits. Interlude maintains the evening’s momentum and set stage to what feels like a second act, which opens with ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend’, which marks a tonal shift. Dagmarr plays on the glamour and wit of the number. Familiar crowd-pleasers such as ‘The Man I Love’ and ‘I Got Rhythm’ further lifts the atmosphere, drawing the audience in with their recognisability and warmth. ‘I’m Still Here’ is a powerful penultimate number, allowing Dagmarr to showcase the full extent of their vocal and emotional range, and is a moving highlight.
The show is perfectly suited to its setting at the Crazy Coqs, the intimate and atmospheric Piccadilly cabaret venue styled like a 1920s Parisian variété. The space enhances the mood, drawing the audience into a world of cinematic nostalgia and evening sophistication.
While the night is enjoyable, some additional variation in pacing, musical style, or audience interaction would have added contrast and jazzed the evening up more. Nevertheless, Dagmarr’s Dimanche is a fun, sultry, and well put together cabaret performance, and an elegant night of cinema-inspired song delivered with charm.
*** Three stars
Reviewed by: Alexandra Tullah