Andy Bell, the man we all know from Erasure, has just released his third solo album called Queereteria, and in conjunction, he is in a new play of the same name at the Above the Stag Theatre.
Andy bell queereteria tv credit pbgstudios
Both the album and the play has Bell performing as his alter ego Torsten, who is a gender-fluid and semi-immortal, who, after having loved and lost many men during his unnatural long life, is left haunted by the memories of these men. This is the third album, and first time stage show, where Bell is the character of Torsten. And luckily for us, the show incorporates songs from the album.
The album is structured around four acts, while the show has a first and second act and is a bit more experimental. Also at the focus of the show is another long lifer – Lady Domina Bizarre (a wonderful, fun and campy Matthew Baldwin). And both of them, while obviously not really liking each other, trade barbs back and forth while they lament being still alive not really knowing anyone around them. It’s set in a post armageddon television show where Torsten and Lady Domina are the world’s last surviving celebrities.
The album, and show, is also very reflective (perhaps matching Bell’s state of mind) where an older Torsten thinks about leaving his partying years behind (we are all getting old). And the younger selves of him and one of his first lovers pop up every now and then. It’s a show that’s a bit confusing and way out there, but stick with it and you will be rewarded with a second half that highlights Bell’s songs and get to enjoy more of Lady Domina. I say give her her own show!
Queereteria is on from Wednesday 10 April at Above The Stag Theatre, Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, SE1.
Tickets from abovethestag.com
Queereteria the album is out on Friday 12 April.
