I lived just down the road from the Turbine Theatre in the late 80s/early 90s; and as great as it was as an area then, it would have been even better with the additions that the Battersea Power Station complex has brought. It's right by the Thames, the bones of the power station remain, there are some lovely restaurants including the Battersea Cinnamon Kitchen, the Battersea Brewery, and of course the wonderful Turbine Theatre.
I've been to quite a few productions at this small under-the-arches theatre. They've all without fail been quirky, fun, unusual and full of incredible young talent. So, I had high expectations of Luke Bayer playing the fiendishly ambitious Desmond Channing as he is forced to entertain the demons (us, the audience) in Dante's seventh circle of hell in a never ending loop.
Based upon 'All about Eve', this musical is a story of talent, ambition, friendship, betrayal, and replacement, but set in an American high school. In Diva: Live from Hell! the story is also about murder, hence Dessie being sent to the 7th circle of hell for eternity.
The hugely talented Luke Bayer plays all the roles. He is Desmond Channing, Mr Dallas, Evan Harris, Ali Howlett. He changes tone, depth of voice and stature both seamlessly and energetically. He bounces off the small 3 piece band, the only other people on stage.
This is a hugely humous production, with many laugh out loud moments. As Desmond introduces us to his plight and takes a sip of clear liquid he says, "Oh you thought this was water. Water isn't allowed in hell. This is Bob Fosse's ball juice".
Once he is enflamed with jealousy over the rise of Evan Harris, the new boy from New York, Desmond's inner Diva is unleashed and no one is spared from his acerbic tongue. To his former unrequited love interest he says, "D is not just your bra size, it's your class average."
His outrage at hearing the applause for Evan playing the Pirate King in the High School production of the Pirates of Penzance, accompanied by the song 'Stolen', tips him into a murderous rage which in a very teen-like fashion he thinks he can style out. It is not to be, and as he flees the police, his hero Kevin Kline (who'd he longed to come to save him) is the one who consigns him to hell.
I was amazed that I felt so moved at the production call in the last scene where Desmond is summoned to tell his tale all over again, and again, and again.
This is such a great production, do go and see it and the rising star that is Luke Bayer.
When: On until 2rd September 2022.
Address: Arches Lane, Circus West, London, SW11 8AB
Tickets: £27.50-£30
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