Tiger Dublin Fringe 2016
Dates: Sep 21 - 25 @ 19:00
Tickets: €23 - €26
Duration: 90 mins
Venue: Spiegeltent @ Merrion Square
RIOT has easily been the most talked about show in the run up to the Tiger Dublin Fringe Festival and given that it is marking ten years of success for This Is Pop Baby a lot was expected from it. Thankfully, it delivers in spades.
Panti Bliss is on hand from the beginning to give us a run through of what we can expect during the proceeding ninety minutes but honestly nothing can prepare you for the variety of theatre, comedy, drag, music and social commentary that's on offer.
The Queen of Ireland takes up the position of MC for the evening and although being slightly marginalised due to a foot injury still manages to put in the kind of side splitting performance we've come to expect from her.
Emmet Kirwan, fresh from rave reviews for Dublin Old School certainly isn't resting on his laurels. He intersperses the variety acts with a searing assessment of the state of modern day Ireland via rap, that confirms him as one of the skillful wordsmiths working in Ireland today.
Kirwan may be the highlight, but there isn't a bum note in the entire show. The Lords of Strut, Up and Over it, Megan Riordan and Ronan Brady provide the most creative of dance, acrobatic and song routines utilising props as random as clingfilm, taytos and a Roscommon jersey.
It's Panti who gives the most inspiring moment of the night, rejecting the idea of destiny and encouraging everyone to working towards their dreams, no matter what obstacles stand in your way.
Part variety entertainment show, part call to action, Riot is easily one of the best pieces of art this reviewer has seen performed lived.
Every remaining show is now sold out. Beg, borrow or steal a ticket if you have to.
