Rowdy, rambunctious and a little raunchy – 'The Babushka Book Club' was a roaring good time.
The premise of the show was simple – take the stereotype of the white, middle-aged ladies who book club, shake it up and expose it for what it really is. A legitimate reason to drink on a Tuesday night and escape the mundane mediocrity of their everyday lives.
Sounds harsh, but in among the ribbing and sarcastic retorts was a show really about friendship and the power of a good book.
Each 'chapter' of the show was a musical number, based around a well-known book – and complete with banter, witty repartee and a generous pour of pinot grigio. The three leading ladies – Judy Hainsworth, Laura Coutts, Alicia Cush were exceptional – with synchronised dance routines, vocals that lifted you off your seat and a sassy confidence which was both endearing and slightly terrifying. Accompanied by Luke Volker on piano and based off a concept by Alicia Cush, Penny Challen and Geoff Squires – 'The Babushka Book Club' made the idea of joining a book club incredibly appealing.
Musical mashups abounded, classics were reworked and remastered, and there was even an operatic rendition of an Eminem song. The costumes were fabulous, the staging was simple yet surprisingly effective, the dialogue was fast and loose and wildly hilarious and the set was simply alight with energy.
A perfect night out, best enjoyed with a wine and a good book.
