Choir Girl

Sarah Collins' portrayal of desperate chorister, Susan is darkly funny and slightly unnerving - in a good way of course. In the space of a sixty minute monologue, Susan turns from a dedicated but self-important choir enthusiast to an unempathetic and isolated figure. Her misguided efforts to entrench herself in her new choir in Sandringham sees her continually affronted by her fellow members as they challenge her high expectations and extensive knowledge of chorale custom. Much of the humour of Choir Girl is derived from Collins' Susan who is obviously affected re-telling the circumstance and her continued perplexed state. Though nothing is too obvious and subtle references in the dialogue are left to be picked up by the audience. Collins is undoubtedly the show's star, the 14 strong chorus she shares the stage with make it a unique experience. They switch from providing musical backing to stage props, and their deadpan whispers and giggles provide a great backdrop to Susan's increasing paranoia. They are particularly unsettling during the moments of Susan's one-sided lust for the choir's accompanist. Choir Girl is a great combination of musical and comic writing and perhaps the most artistically significant use of Britney Spear's music ever produced.

Running at The Lithuanian Club Ballroom until Saturday 13 October