Taking the audience on a glamorous journey through some of the silver screen’s most beloved musical numbers was the dynamic duo of Rita Harringbone and Glenda Swing. These two struggling actresses from the golden age of cinema—still clinging to the black-and-white presentation of yesteryear—are, on paper, so diametrically opposed that their partnership should not work. However, it is precisely this contrast that makes them the perfect hosts for this time-travelling musical revue. Despite wearing similarly stunning outfits throughout the performance, Rita serves as the show’s soft-spoken ingénue, brimming with optimism that the pair can rebuild their careers in the modern technicolour world. Glenda, by contrast, is a sharp, intense, no-nonsense powerhouse who has been scorned by the community she once loved. Throughout the show, Glenda had the audience in fits of laughter with her iconic growled “Thank you!”, a phrase repeated so often that, by the end of the evening, audience members were eagerly anticipating its next appearance and enthusiastically shouting it back at the performer every time it was grunted. Maintaining this gravelly, coarse voice not only during the stop at Wales Millennium Centre’s Cabaret stage but also throughout multiple tour dates must be incredibly demanding, yet the performer never faltered for a moment. I have to admit that I found it very difficult to take my eyes off Glenda throughout the show. She seized every opportunity to lean into her over-the-top comedic persona, delivering brilliant jokes, facial expressions, and gestures that consistently drew the audience’s attention whenever they appeared. Rita, on the other hand, used the production as an opportunity to demonstrate what a talented musician she is, accompanying her partner on a variety of instruments, including both piano and ukulele. The true display of Rita’s musical ability came during those moments when something went wrong—whether a song started in the wrong key or a mistake occurred—and she was able to adapt instantly and seamlessly to ensure the performance continued without interruption. The fact that Rita showcased these skills while also delivering impressive vocals, dance sequences, and hosting duties was a clear demonstration that, despite not being the larger-than-life character on stage, she is an exceptionally gifted performer in her own right.
One of my favourite moments came during the first act when Rita took to the piano to accompany her on-stage other half for a rendition of “Independent Women” by Destiny’s Child, popularised by the 2000 film Charlie’s Angels. I do not think I will ever be able to listen to this song again without immediately thinking of this vaudeville-inspired, swing-infused interpretation. Glenda owned every inch of the stage, creating a truly immersive and unforgettable experience. Even days after the performance, I can still vividly picture Glenda roaring “I got it!”, a moment that was met with immense laughter from every person in attendance while also perfectly fitting the character she had established earlier in the show. The audience also went absolutely feral as Glenda repeatedly dropped to the floor—accompanied by a series of wonderfully exaggerated pained expressions that perfectly mirrored how I imagine I would feel attempting the same thing. These comedic flourishes kept the crowd hanging on every moment from the very first beat of the song. The Silver Starlights also treated the audience to an incredible rendition of “Stop” from the 1997 film Spice World, another absolute classic that had the crowd singing and dancing along from the moment it began. This was a much more dance-centric number, with both Rita and Glenda encouraging audience members to follow along with the official choreography—yet another talent the duo managed to squeeze into an already packed production. My favourite performance of the evening, however, saw the pair channel their inner Celine Dion with a rendition of the iconic “My Heart Will Go On” from the blockbuster classic Titanic. What was particularly clever about this number was the way it allowed the performers to peel back the exaggerated personas they had embodied throughout much of the evening, giving the audience a chance to fully appreciate the vocal talents they possess.
Glenda, in particular, toned down her trademark gravelly voice to reveal herself as a remarkably gifted singer in her own right. The pair’s voices blended beautifully together, perfectly capturing the emotional power and grandeur that made the original song such an enduring classic. It was a rare opportunity to see beyond the characters and appreciate the artistry of the performers themselves. The audience clearly felt the same way, erupting into their own enthusiastic singalong that demonstrated just how invested they had become in the show. Those who know me personally will already be aware that there is very little I love more than the Kung Fu Panda franchise—something I strongly recommend checking out if you somehow have not already. One of the most overlooked moments in the series occurs during the credits of the latest instalment, where Po, voiced by the wonderful Jack Black, performs the equally iconic “…Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears. That is why Rita and Glenda’s decision to reference not only our favourite animated franchise but also this underrated cinematic moment was met with thunderous applause from me and, judging by the reaction around the room, several fellow Dragon Warriors in attendance. Complete with the signature vaudeville twist that characterised every number in the production, the pair delivered a delightful homage to this camp classic, blending comedy and vocal talent to create another hugely entertaining performance. I also thought it was the perfect choice to bring the evening to a close with a fantastically unique and energetic rendition of “Lady Marmalade” from the incredible Moulin Rouge!, which we were fortunate enough to see in the West End ourselves. This instantly recognisable showstopper had every audience member on their feet singing and dancing along. Having seen countless interpretations of this iconic song over the years, I can confidently say that this vaudeville-infused version ranks among the most impressive. Both performers showcased their incredible vocal abilities, with Rita effortlessly delivering the song’s famous rap section—a moment audiences always eagerly anticipate and one she absolutely nailed.
Overall, Glenda and Rita Sat Wales Millennium Centre’s Cabaret stage proved to be a fantastic homage to some of cinema’s greatest musical hits, complete with a distinctive vaudeville twist woven throughout every aspect of the production. From the carefully crafted characters and stunning costumes to the inventive musical arrangements and seamless transitions, every element felt thoughtfully considered and expertly executed.It was abundantly clear that the creative team had paid close attention not only to the song selections themselves but also to how each number contributed to the wider world Rita and Glenda had created. The musical style remained consistently aligned with the show’s aesthetic, while the smooth transitions ensured audiences could easily follow the narrative journey from start to finish. Both performers were given ample opportunities to showcase their individual talents, allowing audiences to develop a genuine connection with their respective characters while also appreciating the remarkable skills of the artists behind them. By the final curtain, it was impossible not to admire the chemistry, creativity, and sheer talent that made this production such an enjoyable experience. I would rate this production 4 out of 5 stars.
Rhysreviews 