Hole! review – filthy musical fable enchants … and makes you blush

By Holly O'Mahony · The Guardian Culture

Soho theatre, London Jake Brasch and Nadja Leonhard-Hooper are vivid storytellers and fine musicians and foley artists A filthy fable about a god-fearing Christian sect in rural Nebraska who, in a racy, sci-fi twist, are forced to wear butt plugs to avoid being sucked up into the ether, could be utterly naff. But the sheer artistry behind this hard-working two-hander ensures every second is surprisingly enchanting – even when it makes you blush. It’s written and acted by Jake Brasch and Nadja Leonhard-Hooper, who perform together as New York-based outfit American Sing Song. They are not only vivid storytellers but fine musicians and foley artists – creating their own sound effects on the fly. Over the course of this 80-minute show, every pop, suck and ominous whoosh (as a plug is fatefully removed) is heard, and every innuendo lands, sometimes in harmony. Continue reading...