If you can imagine a show that combines the flamboyancy of an Elton John concert with the vocals of a mega church, you’ve basically just summed up the bizarre concept that is House of Life. Described as one part sermon, one part rave, three parts party, this show brings the highest energy possible and encapsulates the weirdness of the Edinburgh Fringe.
House of Life asks the audience to transform themselves within the space of an hour, through the intense therapy of singing, dancing, chanting, and visualising. It combines the sounds of 80s pop music with gospel-esque melodies to deliver a new rhythm that is uplifting and empowering, and ultimately promoting self love.
Led by the eccentric Rave-Rend and his suited companion Trev, the show promises that by completing the show’s eight guided steps, it’s “proven” that audience members will 100 per cent never feel sad again.
The show takes audience members on a journey with the goal of achieving ultimate happiness. In the beginning, audience members are “reborn” through a chicken themed guided meditation. Later they are prompted to visualise their future via song. Eventually, they achieve the ultimate goal of eternal happiness.
Whilst the majority of the crowd were happy to chant and sing directly to the other audience members next to them, I at times found it slightly awkward to do so. Additionally, the Rave-Rend’s interviews of certain audience members were sometimes a bit lengthy, which clashed with the upbeat energy of the show. However, this is always a risk when having a show that relies so heavily on audience participation.
One thing I can’t fault is the musical talent and genius of the Rave-Rend and Trev. From amazing original songs to improvised rap songs about audience members, the witty speed at which lines are sung at is truly mesmerising. Be warned that you will have all of the songs stuck in your head for the next three days (maybe that’s part of the fun though).
House of Life is all things eccentrically Fringe, and it is definitely a brilliant feel-good show that does in fact achieve its goal of ensuring happiness.
House of Life is running until the 30 August at Underbelly in George Square. Buy tickets here.
Image by Michelle Mangan, provided to The Student by Underbelly for press use.
