If you put all of Tarantino’s biggest hits, some classic 70s rock and 15 musical theatre legends in a big gory blender, you would come out with Tarantino Live. The blood-red concoction you’ve just whipped up packs a punch. It’s strong, it’s spicy, and it’s maybe just a touch too sickly sweet.
The smashing together of all of Tarantino’s best characters to the music of his iconic soundtracks could have been a car crash, and, to For The Record’s credit, this show was far from that. It bursts with talent, enthusiasm, and fun, and managed to weave an impossible tapestry between each of the great director’s bizarre worlds.
Alexander Zane firmly set the tone as an MC turned film critic, as he leads the audience through the thick web of lore that the performers must carefully pick their way through. Often an actor will switch characters mid-song, which if you aren’t familiar with all of the films on display is probably quite jarring.
Nevertheless, the performers do this with ease, and with such a high-powered cast you would expect nothing less. Cleo Caetano stuns as Butterfly, and Samuel Nicholas is unmissable in his role as Marvin, but even more so as a dancer. He is completely captivating and embodies the vibrant spirit of this larger-than-life show. The talent of the cast and the musicians is undoubtable, but they are let down by a lack of direction. Though undeniably fun, the concept of Tarantino Live leaves much to be desired, as it jumps from scene to iconic scene with little more than an attempt at capturing the magic of the originals.
It would be a nearly impossible challenge for any actor to come close to the forces that are John Travolta as Vincent Vega, Leonardo DiCaprio as Rick Dalton or Steve Buscemi as Mr. Pink. Requiring one to do all three verbatim and in quick succession turned the part-cabaret, part-rock opera into mediocre impressions. Especially under Chris Davey’s dazzling lights and Matt Steinbrenner’s transportive set, the attempt to recreate the untouchable movie magic of a Tarantino classic fell flat.
Between the super sounds of the 70s and Zane’s confident conducting, however, there is never much time to ruminate on each recreation you see. As soon as you have entered one gunfight, you are whisked away to the next by the outstanding musical stylings of the immeasurably talented cast. If you are after a fun, nostalgic night out then you need not look further than Tarantino Live. Despite its confused concept, the songs and their delivery are everything you’d want from a classic movie cabaret. Though, as you’d expect, it’s not for the squeamish. For The Record has ensured all of Tarantino’s quintessential guts and gore find their way centre stage right from the offset.
Tarantino Live plays at Riverside Studios, Hammersmith, until August 13.
Review by Anna Smith
Rating: ★★★
Seat: Mr. Blonde (Section), Unreserved | Price of Ticket: £69
