Dusty Limits - Darkling @ CabaretSpace@54

Like Camille O'Sullivan, Dusty Limits is one of the cabaret artists most obviously influenced by theatre. Armed only with a handful of songs, he manipulates the Wiemar satirical ethos into a thoroughly modern assault on lazy entertainment.

Darkling takes a tour of the darker side of life with razor sharp wit and equally cutting lyrics. Descending into SpacCabaret@54 is an apt entrance to Dusty Limits’ cruel, camp and critical view point. Melancholy has never looked so good.

Here you will be offered an alternative to the usual cabaret theme. Dusty’s frank honesty deviates from the expected and safe bubbly tone that most limits most cabaret performers. With a sardonic pout and ice-pick pointed eyebrow this keen comic mind shares his more sinister, pessimistic perspective on the world.

But do not be deterred. The musical prowess onstage is second to none. The lyrics of the excellently sung and arranged songs develop the narrative of the show perfectly. Accompaniment by double bass and piano maintains the cabaret heart of the show, the style of playing builds upon and enhances Dusty’s comic delivery. His slips into a more kitsch aesthetic are moments of comfort before he launches his next tirade against idiocy.

Wonderfully wicked and ironically uplifting, Dusty Limits is a fallen angel worth paying a visit to.