Live Report: RIOT at Vicar St

Clingfilm manikins, a sensual Tayto striptease and a pool noodle beating of Jesus — these are just some of the acts you can expect from Riot. This high speed variety show offers song, comedy, dance, acrobatics and spoken word — all adding up to an incredible spectacle that manages to be both exhilarating and emotionally affecting.

The show stars the Her Majesty Panti Bliss, along with poet Emmet Kirwan, comedy dance duo Lords of Strut and a host of others. Panti is in fine form — all big hair and bigger shoulder pads — but the standout performance of the show is from Kirwan.

Kirwan’s rapid fire delivery is at turns hilarious and heartbreaking. His poem about a teen pregnancy takes in classism, misogyny, and globalisation — like an Irish Eminem, but with more talent, empathy and social conscience.

Each performance also features a guest artist. On Thursday we were treated to the incredible Maria Doyle Kennedy performing her new single ‘Pride’.

Riot is the love child of Ireland’s alternative theatre and event company ThisIsPopBaby. It debuted at the 2016 Dublin Fringe Festival, where it was judged the best production of the festival and broke box office records. The show returned to Vicar Street for five shows at the beginning of July, but has been extended until Saturday 15 July, due to incredible demand.

It’s not hard to see why — Riot is a delightfully mixed bag of tricks, along with the comedic lawlessness of drag. If ever there a show was aptly named, it’s this one. Riot is thrilling, hilarious, joyous and well… riotous. Do yourself a favour and get a ticket while you still can.