The Stage

Eurobeat

Published Thursday 11 September 2008 at 15:35 by Catherine Usher

As long as you have a working knowledge of the mechanics of Eurovision, and a tolerance for mild audience participation, then Eurobeat could surprise you as a highly entertaining night out.

Holding the whole Lycra and tassle-fuelled event together as the hosts of the show - a Eurovision spoof set in Sarajevo - are Sergei and Boyka. In different hands, these grotesque characters could have easily come across as stereotypical and possibly even racist caricatures, but fortunately Mel Giedroyc and Les Dennis capture the humour and pomposity of the pair with masterful precision.

While Dennis all too convincingly revisits the ageing, tragic character he portrayed so wonderfully in the BBC’s Extras, Sergei also has the added qualities of being a toupee-wearing slimeball, ogling the scantily clad female entrants, such as the thrusting Greek pole dancers.

Giedroyc is a revelation as garish Boyka. The ultimate bejewelled, big-haired, spectacle of Eurotrash, she pouts and poses in the hideously familiar Eurovision style and her obvious jealousy of the more youthful female presenters she encounters when seeking the various countries’ scores is particularly enjoyable, especially her description of the blonde, Swedish hottie as an “obvious slut”.

The entries themselves are a tricky concoction of dance, comedy and of course song, and the production manages to negotiate the fine line between humour and in some cases something pretty impressive. Russia’s KGBoyz capture all the exaggerated boy-band moves, Poland’s Toomas Jerker is a very well-observed parody of the countless ‘camp backing dancers in suits with themed choreography’ routines and Hungary’s Molnar Sisters are an exceptional ode to the dated and tuneless folk music of Eastern Europe which - in this instance - revolves around feasting on chickens’ entrails.

Of course there is much audience anticipation about the UK entry and the terrifying candidates don’t disappoint as Rayne and Sheiner singing I Love to Love to Love (Love). Tunelessly murdering a line about perfect harmony, the duo are painfully amusing to watch as they awkwardly carry out their dance routine - a highlight is the mini-skirted Sheiner gracefully picking at her wedged knickers during a laboured twirl.

Ultimately, this show has a lot to offer, but it is not without its faults. It requires constant reassurance through cheering and clapping, the more experimental offerings can be just as boring or baffling as they are in the real Eurovision, and if you aren’t aware of the points of reference, it probably won’t be half as entertaining.

But you should have an inkling of whether you fit the bill - and if in doubt, grab a gaggle of friends, have a pint or two before you get there and then get flag waving.

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