Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

The cabaret night is not one that gets much of a mention in today’s modern world. It can be, unfairly labelled as a relic to a by-gone age by some hard-hearted critics but sometimes the one size fits all approach to an evening’s entertainment is just as good a night out as one dominated by just comedy or an evening of music.

As part of the Homotopia events that has once more entertained the city; Lavender Girls, making their return after a successful 2011, arrived on stage at the Unity Theatre with one aim, namely to hammer home the message that fun is a prerequisite and it doesn’t matter how much you have in the attempt to make anyone smile.

The evening was compared by the alter egos of Keddy Sutton and Gillian Hardie, the stars of Homotopia’s Scotty Road: The Musical, the sassy and supremely funny Caz and Britney. Keddy Sutton, already an actor with arguably the best comic timing in Liverpool played off so well against the marvellous Gillian Hardie as they reproduced segments from their well received show and delivered lines that many comedians in Liverpool would shy away from.

Those who made their way up to Hope Place to take in the excellent atmosphere at the Unity would have not been disappointed as Keddy and Gillian/Caz and Britney introduced some of the leading lights of the Liverpool gay scene and their music and comedy.

Amongst the star turns on a busy but eclectically wonderful night was the amazing Country singer Gem Andrews whose delightful dark musings were pleasant and heart-warming, the off the wall comedy of Julie Psycho Jones who art was a delicious change in pace from the usual comedic offerings and some beautiful music provided by Rachel Awork.

A night of generous and interesting music and comedy, Lavender Girls is a highlight of the Homotopia events.

Ian D. Hall