Picture: Damian Robertson
Midnight at the Palace continues at Big Yin at Gilded Balloon Patter House until 24 August 2025.
Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩
Through the eyes of the outsider, Pam (Baylie Carson), we are introduced to The Cockettes as she arrives in San Francisco. It’s the height of flower power and with no fourth wall from the outset, we are catapulted into the centre of this hippie group. The amorous atmosphere of this cast feels a bit like Godspell with more drugs and less God.
The Palace is the name of the club, run by Hibiscus (Andrew Horton) – a larger-than-life character bedecked in a succession of brazenly bizarre costumes to complement his glittery beard. More than just a club, this Palace is almost a refuge to curious wanderers, just like the wide-eyed Pam.
Lots happens here – excessive drugs and sexual encounters are perpetual and then there’s the infamous Cockette Cabaret.
The cast are phenomenal: eyeing up the audience and each other with interest. Each member is bedecked in their own unique style. The stylised staging fits together beautifully and chaotically with the costumes. Credit to the designers Allen and Adcock and the director and choreographer Paul McGill who have created a believable make-shift tatty glamour that is brilliantly effective. Some of the scene changes are hilarious!
Brandon James Gwinn’s original score gives great opportunities for the performers, each taking their turn in the spotlight. Gregory Haney is outstanding as Sylvester, future disco god; Al Cammish is another central figure as Scrumbly, the onstage composer with a hidden yearning for recognition and a deepening affection for Pam.
The narrative continues to their demise – the fate of so many flames that burn too brightly. A great celebration of hedonistic anarchy. There is a lot to love here, lots of fun and the sense of ‘going on a trip’.
Fiona Orr
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