Rufus Wainwright...

venue:   Brighton Dome review date:   Saturday, 30 October 2004 words by:   Bec Chalkley

review

Yes, it’s another giddy night in Rufusville, and what he later refers to as his ‘lamb shank’ is just part of the problem. From the unexpected “Fa-fa-fa-FABulous!" blurted out mid-song to false starts and a banter that flits from whimsical to camp via downright bawdy, as Wainwright notes, he’s in a ‘wacky mood’ tonight. Perhaps it’s his outfit that’s bringing out the goofball - high-waisted green flares with embroidered gold brocade and a matching waistcoat - or perhaps it’s just the times: “Of course I’m a little on edge. I’m a fuckin’ American! It’s a very stressful week... It’s imperative that Bush loses the election." [cough! - Retrospective Ed]

Wainwright likes Brighton anyhow, telling us “It’s good to be back in Brighton, the happiest city in Britain by far..." Last visit Wainwright appeared with a fine cavalcade of leftfield and Americana artists for Leonard Cohen tribute evening ‘Came So Far For Beauty’. He was barefoot, sharply-suited and richly quipping. Suave is harder to pull off when you’re dressed like Pinocchio off to his flamenco lesson, but still devilishly handsome, he does.

Tonight Wainwright has the stage all to himself, and he’s rather enjoying it. He enters to an instrumental ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ and, seating himself at the piano with a dash of composed melodrama, sings something by Berlioz, in French. 500 queens sigh in unison.

Songs are dedicated to tragic famous men. One he tells us was written for beautiful dead filmstar River Phoenix. Another is about beautiful dead singer Jeff Buckley. This segues fittingly into Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’, also covered by Buckley. ‘Pretty Things’ is dedicated to Marc Almond “who I hope will recover".

Wainwright’s showy, epic tunes suggest musicals or evocative soundtracks. Tonight we’re treated to a two hour set that takes full advantage of Wainwright's backing band, and vocals from sister Martha. She supported Wainwright tonight, playing new EP ‘Bloody Mother F**king Asshole’. There’s an irreverent streak in this family that’s most endearing.

With Halloween tomorrow, Wainwright and his band return for an encore of ‘Oh, What A World’ clad in witches hats and capes. As the last note dies away they die too, falling to the ground like the Wicked Witch of the West, all claws and hammy grimaces. Finale ‘Cigarettes & Chocolate Milk’ has Wainwright bowing to rapturous applause. “Thankyou so much," he responds, “if I could fuck you all I would."

about Brighton Dome

Originally the riding stables and school of the Prince of Wales in the early 19th Century, the Brighton Dome is one of the most beautiful centres of art in the country. Brighton Dome is made up of the Concert Hall with a theatre-style capacity of 1800, the Corn Exchange with a flexible capacity of up to 1200, and the black-box studio-style Pavilion Theatre for up to 320l Click for more info and complete listings for Brighton Dome