Theatreworx

Long before Paris and Nicky, an entirely different set of Hilton sisters took the world by storm. Brighton-born Siamese twins Daisy and Violet (1908-1969) spent their early life touring throughout Europe and the USA, prime exhibits for the popular 'freak shows' of the 1900s. Bill Russell's musical documents the sisters' rise to fame, their hopeless love lives, and their struggle to escape the side show circuits for a short-lived career in Hollywood.

Despite a strong score by Henry Kreiger and critical acclaim overseas, Side Show quickly disappeared soon after its premiere on Broadway. Theatreworx's production is the first to be performed outside America and it's a brave move. Little known musicals don't have a good reputation at the box office but this is a gamble that deserves to pay off. Side Show's original failure was partly attributed to its difficult subject matter, but Theatreworx's retelling, running at QEH, is a joyful exploration of the girls' spirit, independence and wit. Uplifting and memorable, it never once makes for uncomfortable viewing. This is mostly due to Steve Blackmore's direction; the sisters are joined together merely by wrapping their arms around each others waists, a device that rather touchingly compliments the show's central themes of belonging and friendship without ever proving awkward. By turns hilariously funny and deeply moving, Side Show manages to tell the Hilton sisters' story without being patronising and without ever descending into farce.

Opening with a strong ensemble number ('Come Look at the Freaks') that reflects the cruel theatricality of the Hilton sisters' early career, Side Show fails to disappoint from thereon in, delivering, with equal panache, energetic showstoppers and the requisite ballads. Amateur musicals are often grossly miscast, but, despite a few dodgy extras that are the staple of such productions, Theatreworx have chosen wisely. Vicky Huggins (Daisy) and Lisa Clifford (Violet) shine as the two sisters, bringing their two very different personalities to the fore. Backed by an excellent supporting cast (particularly Simon Vardakis as the downtrodden Jake), this is local theatre performed to a surprisingly professional standard. Side Show wavers between big musical extravaganza and restrained, poignant melodrama, managing to be successful at both.

My only qualm is more of a recommendation. QEH provides an intimate space and there is no doubt that Blackmore makes the most of it, but this production, despite the fact that it was well-attended, deserved a larger venue and, by extension, a larger audience. Having rather worryingly cheered on the Nazis during BLOC's dreary The Sound of Music earlier this year, I couldn't help but regard Side Show as a far worthier contender for the Hippodrome's stage. Constantly faced, as audiences are, with a wealth of tired, overplayed musicals, Side Show offers a sparkling alternative. One of the most exciting things about this colourful and energetic production is its inherent freshness. Theatreworx should be acknowledged for that.