Lilli Margaret
False Idol is a sermon for the cynical; the program for this show describes it as “it’s just like going to church, only funnier and sexier”. And does it deliver! False Idol, directed by Melanie Luckman, produced by Georgia Kellett and performed by Andy Manning, is serving queer joy.
Manning looks just gorgeous in a floor length black skirt and cloak made of shiny PVC, a mesh top, bright pink heels and a gold halo crown adorning their head. The costume design gives queer energy while still carrying the “pastor delivering a sermon to the youths” look with a small clergy collar that peeks out from under all that pleather.
Manning enters the stage with their head covered in their black cloak, and starts playing the keyboard, pink fingernails finding their places on the keys as they start with a song on the creation of the world. Immediately, I am laughing. Manning jumps straight into it with a fast paced opening number, around what we’re going to talk about tonight and what we as an audience are going to walk away with. This felt like a long song to kick the show off with, and I wonder for a moment whether it is a little ambitious to have a one person show with original songs and multiple instruments. I am quickly proved wrong; once this particular song finished, it feels like Manning settles into each number and gives a bit more space for each beat.
This is a strong show and an excellent opening night. The 60-minute show is packed to the brim with hilarious songs and excellent storytelling. Manning brings the energy and connects well with the audience, with call and response interactions, mindful exercises, and sermons on our wellbeing. Manning brings us on this journey and performs the role of our guide, navigating gender, what it means to be queer, what it means to really, truly love ourselves – can I get an “a-THEM”? They are cynical yet hopeful, hurt yet resilient, present yet constantly reflecting on the past. They embody hilarious and relatable caricatures in some moments, and in other moments pivot seamlessly to the hurt, lost kid they were, some years ago. Manning is a powerhouse of a musician, and a clever writer, which shines through their songs and makes the show feel professional and polished.
The lighting design is a highlight of False Idol. Coupled with dry ice, this gives Manning an ethereal and dreamlike quality. At points, they looked almost like an oil painting under warm spotlights and soft rainbow lighting. This supported Manning’s narrative well and helps us as an audience keep up with changes in characters and settings.
This show made me cry, you guys. And laugh ‘till my sides hurt. This show is better than therapy, and cheaper too. A little more breathing room between moments will allow this piece to really shine.