Reviewed by: The List
Review by Charlotte Kowald | 11 March 2024
Have you ever looked at someone and wondered what’s going on inside their head? In her new one-woman cabaret, Frankly gives us a glimpse: contents include horses, Bob Katter, and that eternal question, ‘Would you still love me if I was a worm?’. DOOM BOX is like scrolling through your most chaotic friend’s FYP on TikTok: occasionally confusing, often unexpected, but always entertaining. Frankly takes on many roles throughout the show, including (but not limited to): singer, pianist, comedian, sound tech, Instagram guru, and most importantly ‘real and professional artiste’. Of these roles, she particularly shines as a singer-songwriter, with quippy original songs covering genres and topics from the struggle of having great boobs to the art of song writing itself. A particular highlight is a cautionary tale about the one that got away: Kilburn Savers. Hilarious, well-written, and impeccably performed, Frankly could base an entire hour on this one situation and the audience would still be delighted. (And if anyone from Kilburn Savers is reading this, please install a bathroom or two.) Jam-packed with fast-talking comedy, biting satire, and unexpected twists, DOOM BOX has some incredibly strong moments. However, there were also times when the show felt a bit fragmented and unsettled, making it challenging to keep track of what was going on. Although unruly at times, Frankly’s pivot to cabaret is a joy; keep an eye out for whatever she comes up with next.