Billie Trix. Icon. Rock star. Screen goddess. Hedonist. Billie has lived a life of excess and shares it all in
her one-woman show. Her journey takes us from post-war Berlin to the rock arenas of the world, via
the Vietnam war, Andy Warhol’s Factory, and 10 years living in a Soho Square phone box.
The incredible Frances Barber takes us on this 60 minute whirlwind journey playing the role of “Billie Trix”, a character from Closer to Heaven, also conceived, written and composed by the creative team behind this production of MUSIK. And that team is Jonathan Harvey (author of Beautiful Thing, amongst many others) and the Pet Shop Boys (Chris Lowe and Neil Tennant). With such a star-studded celebrity team, add in Director Terry Johnson, and you can see why this production is so brilliant!
The script is outrageous! Definitely one for the 18+ brigade. No subject matter considered Taboo. With talcum powder a-plenty on a tambourine – yes, there’s even some slapstic comedy.
Frances Barber takes us on a journey. Her narration and oratory skills are second to none. Directing herself to the audience and occasionally calling out to her fictitious manager, Marjorie, for guidance, in the audience. The songs also very funny and what Frances might lack in singing skills can be attributed to decades of her later-ego Billie’s unhealthy habits and let’s put down to characterisations. Of course the music is brilliant – it’s the Pet Shop Boys!
The unsung hero in all this is the fantastic video design! With a full stage screen across the back of the stage and then 2 x stacks of 9 vintage televisions (designed by Lee Newby), Leo Flint’s Video design superbly enhances and amplifies the story. The technical ability to have each TV individually and separately be a small map of something from the main video output is genius. It becomes as abstract as Andy Warhol’s art – which is relevant and important to Billie’s story – as evidenced by a marionette of Andy Warhol which also makes an appearance in the show.
This is sophisticated adult entertainment of a character who’s lived a life and mingled with all the celebrities now delivering a no-holds barred expose! Perfectly salacious gossip!
Photo credit: Charlie Flint
Tuesday – Saturday at 7 30pm
Saturday at 2.30pm
Running time:
60 mins (no interval)
Venue Website
https://wiltons.org.uk/whats-on/musik/
Box Office: 020 7702 2789
Tickets: from £12.50
Age recommendation
16+
Social media
Twitter: @petshopboys
@cahootstc
Facebook: petshopboys
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www.cahootstheatrecompany.com