Scout Durwood effortlessly combines wit, terror, and misery in her one-woman cabaret show as she transports her audience to the end of the world. The show consists of her character figuring out how she ended up where she did in the ten minutes that it takes the brain to shut down after death in a poignant and eccentric take on apocalypse.
Apocalypse Cabaret: Songs for the End of the World takes a personal spin on the concept of an apocalypse as Durwood details her personal struggles with mental health, generational trauma, and family issues. Whilst at times this created a dark atmosphere, it ultimately demonstrated a poignancy rarely achieved in such a reflective sense of storytelling. Furthermore, Durwood established a profound connection with the audience as she truly lay everything out on the stage in both song and spoken word moments.
Whilst the singing left something to be desired at times, for the majority of the show it emphasised the wondrous eccentricity of the performance, transitioning from the Romeo and Juliet soundtrack to the hit song by Journey, ‘Don’t Stop Believin’. Through this shift, Durwood evoked a sense of hopefulness, reminding the audience that no matter how much you have endured and survived, you have to keep trying as it really will get better.
Additionally, the show radiated wit as Durwood employed a paper bag with googly eyes to act as her guiding spirit through her journey of understanding her life. This paper bag delivered deadpan humour in an Australian accent, as well as interrupting several karaoke moments. It also emphasised the importance of wanting to live in order to survive, creating a truly hopeful atmosphere at the show’s ending.
Overall, Apocalypse Cabaret: Songs for the End of the World is a wonderful, fun, and uplifting performance, a definite must see.
The show is running until 24 August (excluding 12th and 19th) at the Dairy Room at Underbelly, Bristo Square.
Buy tickets here.
Image courtesy of Steve Korn, provided to The Student as press material.