Opening the cabaret section of the evening was the always amazing Chae with a C (who we actually interviewed on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/84KfWuZ8YMU?si=DQ56ixPCm7gwwTe0) who continues to take over the drag scene across the UK with their unique high-energy performance style. Chae decided to start their set with a rendition of a party mix of the iconic “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler which was a very clever inclusion as it referenced the new name of the venue they were in. This also helped to introduce an on-the-night promotion where if this song was played while you were at the bar you would win some shots which was a nice addition to the exciting evening. Chae also treated the audience to a wonderful high-energy medley paying homage to the iconic Sister Act (which we reviewed for Get the Chance and you can read at https://getthechance.wales/2023/11/18/review-sister-act-wales-millennium-centre-by-rhys-payne/) This insanely camp mash-up included excerpts from classics such as Proud Mary, I will follow him, Shop around and Please Mr Postman which the audience clearly really loved! In the aforementioned interview with Chae with a C, they discussed how they wanted to build a name for themselves doing very silly numbers and nothing proved that more than their performance of head, shoulders, knees and toes. Every single person in the audience joined in with this chaotic performance with two members being invited on the stage including the wonderful My Liege who recently won Jolene’s drag race (which you can read about at https://rhysreviews.com/2024/08/13/jolenes-drag-race-week-three/) To bring the end to their set Chae decided to showcase their version of “I am a good girl” from the musical burlesque which just like their outfit, was fantastically glamorous. My favourite moment in this routine however was when Chae took off her shoes and put them on her hands to portray high kicks which was absolutely hilarious to watch! In classic Chae with a C style, their closing performance was an eccentric rendition of the crazy frog theme song which was absolutely wild!
The next performer to take to the stage was Rhiannon Welsh who I have to admit is not someone I was particularly familiar with prior to this event but is absolutely someone I am going to keep an eye on going forward! Taking on Shirley Bassey can be a very controversial idea in a Welsh venue due to how much of a talented vocalist the girl from Tiger Bay truly was however Rhiannon was not phased in the slightest! They decided to take on the iconic Big Spender towards the beginning of their set which the audience went absolutely wild for! Not only did Rhiannon sound absolutely amazing but she also looked stunning in a gorgeous sparkly pink dress which fitted the glamour of Shirley Bassey flawlessly. My favourite performance of Rhiannon’s from this evening however was their insane rendition of “My Life” by Shirley Bassey where the tribute artist used every inch of the venue while interacting with key audience members which made for a highly exciting and immersive performance of this classic. While the vocals were a highlight throughout all of Rhiannon’s performance, this performance was out of this world! Performing such an emotionally powerful song in a nightclub could have been a very risky move but everyone was absolutely transfixed by Rhiannon due to this insane vocal showcase!
After a short break, the audience was introduced to the final performer of the cabaret section of the evening and it was none other than the most recent winner of Eagles/Eclipse Got Talent (which you can read about at https://rhysreviews.com/2024/03/28/eagles-got-talent-2-production-review/) Mikey Porter! They decided to start their set with a performance of Heartbreak Made Me a Dancer by Freemasons featuring Sophie Ellis Bextor (who we recently saw at Brighton Pride which you can read about at https://rhysreviews.com/2024/08/12/brighton-pride-2024-day-one-review/) which was fantastic way to start their routine as this high-energy, camp performance was perfect to get the audience back after the short interval between acts. My favourite performance of Mikey’s during this event however was their rendition of Up by the Saturdays which is a song I was aware of by Mikey decided to put his own unique twist by adding the most amazing vocal runs into the performance. The closing sequence of this number was particularly incredible as Mikey proved why he showed everyone who he is the reining champion of the venues talent competition! In classic Mikey style, Mikey treated the audience to a rendition of “One for Sorrow, two for Joy” by Steps (who we actually saw at last year’s Brighton Pride event which you can read about at https://rhysreviews.com/2023/08/10/brighton-pride-day-two-experience-review/) and there is a reason why Mikey always included some steps in his performance, it’s because it absolutely works! On top of his amazing vocal demonstrations throughout, Mikey also managed to squeeze in some choreography into his performance which the audience not only enjoyed watching but also loved getting involved with! Towards the end of his performance, Mikey also showcased an incredible rendition of “It’s a sin” by the Pet Shop Boys. This number worked absolutely perfectly for Mikey as the opening sequence of this song allowed Mikey to showcase his remarkable vocal talents and the later sections created a high-camp party vibe which the audience loved singing and dancing along to!
Overall, the grand opening of Cardiff’s newest LGBTQ+ venue Eclipse was a fabulous evening crammed full of amazing entertainment. This event helped to showcase everything the hope for the venue including it being a space where everyone can come and feel welcome while enjoying a plethora of fabulous entertainment. As someone who previously did not like enjoy attending this venue in its previous life, I am much more likely to visit after seeing the new direction they are going in and just a small sample of what I can expect while there which is exactly why an event like this one takes place! Would rate this event 4 out of 5 stars!
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