By Samantha Kent
"What an absolutely brilliant show"
Signs of a Star Shaped Diva is a cabaret show with a difference. Caroline Parker is a deaf actress who plays the role of forgettable Sue Graves, the diva fanatic who finds a new lease of life, becoming a diva in her own right. However, Sue Graves' diva persona Tammy Frascati (a combination of her favourite name and drink) finds fame not through singing but through signing songs from her favourite divas. The show is accessible for both deaf and hearing audiences and not only are the songs signed but the lyrics as well as the script appear projected on a screen at the back of the stage. However, this show in no way seems like a show that has been made accessible for a deaf audience the recorded music, signing, spoken word and projected text are all fused into a complete original performance.
Caroline Parker is simply fantastic in this one-woman show. At first the musical numbers seem like a sort of strange lip syncing as Parker does not actually sing. However, she signs the words and performs the feeling of the song creating mesmerising performances that seem to convey the true meaning in the music far better than by merely singing it. Parker threads these musical numbers together with the tale of Sue Graves' rise to fame and references to her favourite divas all interweaved with her own special love story. Parker's acting is just as good as her signing, and she performs with brilliant comic timing and confidence. There are moments of arresting truth in this show that document life's ability to hurtle you downwards from a point of previous star like elevation and Parker's portrayal of such moments is touching and evocative. There are even instances of audience participation when Parker calls out song titles to which the audience reply with the artists name. We are also encouraged to sing along with many of the more famous songs, which is regrettable if you have a loud elderly couple that lack certain musical awareness' such as tune and rhythm, sitting behind you. Most of the songs are from the 60's and 70's appealing to a middle aged, middle class audience, however there is an Amy Winehouse number in there for the younger theatre goers. Some jokes are perhaps lost on this younger section of the audience who are not familiar with many of the legendry songs included, however this will not diminish your enjoyment of the show.
Signs of a Star Shaped Diva is a funny, touching, eye-opening and creative performance. Caroline Parker is a born performer and carries the show with her talent and passion for her art. This show is absolutely brilliant and I would highly recommend it.