Review: THE WAY WE WEREN'T IS MONU-YENTL! at Hayes Theatre

Readers can you hear me? Readers can you see me? Readers can you read me? And all the Barbra puns you can think of, whatever will get you to this irreverent, hilarious and vocally delightful cabar-gay that is so much more than an ode to Streisand!

Pristine pianist Nigel Ubrihien, titillating tenor Michael Smallwood and master of musical moxie Luke Gallagher gave their all to some of the most spectacular renditions of songs, some brought back from the brink of being forgotten. Formed in 1988, Friends of Barbra has become one of the longest-service classic cabaret acts, and their chemistry gives the wonderful sense that though their friendship with Streisand remains dubious, their connection to their audiences and each other is entirely genuine. The troupe are wonderfully calibrated for high-camp humour, and transition into sonic seduction seamlessly.

Highlights included their versions of Annie Lennox's Why, Muppet classic The Rainbow Connection (the set-up joke nearly saw me spit my drink on Row E), and of course Streisand's Piece of Sky.

Hayes Cabaret season is definitely worth a visit, particularly if you can get to the Sunday sing-along! More information on their website.

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