Yana Alana Covered - at the Spiegeltent

HBG 16Aug17 - Sarah Ward (aka Yana Alana) HBG 23Aug17 - AUSTRALIA'S queen of queer cabaret Sarah Ward (aka Yana Alana)

Reviewed by Rachel Wise

The Spiegeltent has cast its spell again, rising on the Village Green in Havelock North, bringing with it the promise of magic and mystery.

Last night's late show, Yana Alana Covered, was a mystery to me. I had read the promo...Yana, a burlesque performer, is more known for performing nude apart from a covering of blue body paint.

In this current show, however, she has not only covered up but she's covering the songs of many popular artists...from the Beatles to David Bowie and even Puccini.

So along I went expecting to be sung to, entertained and best, case scenario, have a good laugh.

Yes. That all happened, but not as I expected.

Yana Alana is not your average all singing all dancing burlesque performer.
Yana has an edge, a bite. She's stroppy, she's punchy and she plays her audience very nearly as well as her band the Paranas play their instruments.

In one moment, Yana will have the audience on the edge of their seats, marvelling at a voice that is quite frankly fabulous. Then they reel back as she unleashes a slightly unhinged monologue...then burst out laughing when it turns out to be nothing more - or less - than the lyrics from a song by yet another popular artist.

Yana's voice is astounding, her comedy had the audience roaring - my companion was in tears of laughter. Her stage personality is over the top and the Paranas are a tight and talented trio who are an integral part of the show.

The Spiegeltent was made for burlesque - it's an intimate space, with great acoustics and makes you feel as though you are part of the show, not a mere bystander. In fact, one or two of the front row were part of the show but I didn't see any resistance on their part.

Elements of Yana's sharp, satirical side showed through. There were parts of this show that could make you stop and think. Or you could just sit back, take in the costumes, the music and laughter and that astonishing voice and just enjoy the ride.

I did a bit of both - the Puccini number was a perfect example.

This show takes you over the top, down the other side, flips you upside down and leaves you breathless from laughter.

If you missed it last night, grab a ticket for tonight.