Peacock Theatre, London
April 2, 2025
“There’s a saying in Ireland; You have to be invited to a wedding, but anyone can show up to a wake…”
This quote from the Thisispopbody’s programme is the starting point for a riotous evening of dance, music, singing, tap, aerial and pole dancing. Best known as an ancient funeral rite, the Irish wake is actually a celebration of transformation, of moving from one realm to the next. And celebration, WAKE most certainly is.
Photo Simon Lazewski
Perhaps the best way to describe the show is a cross between circus and burlesque. It thumps with energy from start to finish, and is gloriously chaotic and random, shot through with a strong theme of queer culture and humour. It has the audience on their feet, quite literally, clapping and joining-in. The humour moves from subtle to laugh out-loud, plenty of it visual.
The performances are strong throughout from all the performers and musicians. with many multiskilled.
The setting is an all-night wake, where time and reality are suspended between this world and the next. The guests can be and do whatsoever they want.
The stage design by Niall Sweeny is simple yet very effective, placing the wake everywhere and nowhere dominated by a huge moon that rises and sets as the night waxes and wanes.
Among the many standouts is vocalist Emer Dineen, who has a wonderfully clear and poignant voice, perfectly suited to the Isish laments she sings. But best of all are the musicians, who play continuously, including before the show while the audience are getting seated. Composer Alma Kelliher has created a wonderfully eclectic selection that you just want to keep listening to.
All credit to the three creators of this wonderful madness and mayhem, Jennifer Jennings, Philip McMahon and Niall Sweeny. Long may they continue making these off-the-wall entertainments.
WAKE runs at the Peacock Theatre in London to April 5, 2025, and then at Factory International’s Aviva Studios in Manchester from April 17-21.