Charlene Kaye: Diversity Shredder comedy review – Superb anomaly
The parody musician ably tackles the music industry’s hypocrisies and acts out hilarious impressions
Charlene Kaye has always wanted to be a rock star; or more precisely, ‘the first Asian, female version of David Bowie’. Yet the Rock Hall Of Fame lacks any suitable examples for her to look up to. That is, unless you count Gwen Stefani’s Harajuku Girls. Nevertheless, fuelled on Lexapro and superb guitar shredding, she’s climbed the industry ladder. And after countless gigs as the diversity hire for bands, crafting a sexy, progressive image, she’s found her voice as an artist. Skilled at impersonating multiple corny music genres and with a genuine talent for conjuring clever cover band names, Kaye flexes her comedy muscle in this Fringe return.
Something of an anomaly in parody music, her hilarious adaptations match the technical aptitude of the originals, with her musical background and rich vocals shining through (her Lady Gaga is spot on). While playful throughout, she doesn’t hesitate to call out blatant industry racism. The show doubles as a well-informed history lesson on Asian representation in western music (or lack thereof). Her ability to also pull at your heartstrings will dismiss any doubt that Charlene Kaye can do it all.
Charlene Kaye: Diversity Shredder, Gilded Balloon Teviot, until 30 August, 8.20pm; picture: Luci Stansfield.