As part of the Edwardian season of programmes, the BBC put on a one-night-only special that recreated the music hall experience with modern acts. Music, magic, comedy and cultural presentations all come together in front of the poor (on the floor seats) and the rich (in the balcony).
I have now written three or four reviews where I said that I didn't watch many of the films in BBC4's Edwardian season and I was about to write it again when I realised that I have! So this was one of the more accessible of the films simply because it was all about light entertainment. Although there is a range of acts on here, the tone is very modern and aimed at a young (twenty something) audience as it is mostly a knowing sense of humour that is quite imaginative and off the wall
and it is a quite brilliant 90 minutes.
Mostly the acts are very funny or entertaining; even those where the material seems like it will outstay its welcome (the partridge in a pear tree bit for example) actually keeps going and gets funnier. I'm not sure about the value of the three singing sisters but really the only weak moment was the sketch by Harry Enfield I would have taken any of the other acts for a second time rather than have to watch his pointless routine which only seemed to exist to surprise the audience with a crude "nude" outfit.
Otherwise though it is very entertaining stuff with some great acts, good acts and only one or two average or bad acts. A great night and hopefully one that will be repeated on a terrestrial channel at some point to enjoy the bigger audience that would enjoy it.
