... Darkness and Disgrace Rosemary Branch This cabaret, inspired by the songs of David Bowie, could have so easily been a pretentious joyride, perfect for the singer/ songwriter's fans, but lost on the uninitiated. Fortunately, it is nothing of the kind, and so much more. Those people who count Let's Dance as their favourite Bowie track may at first be disappointed by the programme. It is a show ...

... Keeping us at arm's length Pizza on the Park Neile Adams There is bound to be a buzz about Neile Adams' London cabaret debut-not only did she perform on Broadway in Kismet and The Pajama Game, but she was also married to Hollywood legend Steve McQueen. However, Adams' first set at the Music Room is not quite as interesting and glamorous as her past seems to have been. She may hint that her ...

... Chinese State Circus Purley/Touring After a two-year gap, the Chinese State Circus is back with a troupe from the Zheng Zhou province. Phillip Gandey is still the show's artistic director but now it is being toured by Cottle and Austen's European Entertainment Corporation. Near the start of its run, it does not look quite as slick as in previous years, but there is no disputing the wide ...

... Shaolin-Wheel of Life Dominion Like a kung-fu opera without song, the soldier monks of the Shaolin temple give a terrific showcase of agility and supreme dedication by performing choreographed martial arts in an apparently historical but decidedly empty spiritual context. Their origins are relayed by the Shaolin members aged seven to 70 themselves, and it is a near-biblical tale in its ...