Review: Bourgeois & Maurice

Death comes for us all. For all their glittered outfits and impeccable makeup, Bourgeois & Maurice are haunted by it, morosely sauntering onto the stage for tonight's performance. A sullen Maurice takes her place at the piano as Bourgeois takes a stool and begins to discuss life and death. 

Their dilemma, it seems, stems from the somewhat new-found knowledge that death is inevitable. Bourgeois has a stage presence to die for and a voice like honey, which fills the room as he sings through the plethora of ways to die. Maurice’s fingers fly across the keys as she pipes in with harmonies throughout. But for a cabaret duo of such repute, there's a forced nature to this morbid introduction.

Nevertheless, these quick-tongued cabaret queens remain a versatile pair; they flit easily from a great lesson on Brexit to an upbeat disco number. Their songs' lyricism pairs nicely with Bourgeois’ vocal timbre (although the harmonies are shaky at times). And while the show's lethargic beginning felt insincere, by the end that is forgotten. This on-stage power couple brings together social satire and sequins in a witty and upbeat celebration of all things death.