Following on from last year’s sell-out success cabaret show ‘Table 12’, Rebound Dance Company returns to the stage with ‘Domestic Goddesses.’ This fabulous Body Festival show transports you back to the 1950s, that quaint era of radio, 12 inch TV screens, husbands in the easy chair with a newspaper and lovely homemakers more than happy to do the housecleaning in high heels and pearls…. or are they? All may not be as it seems, as once the husband bids farewell to his domestic goddess, the lipstick comes out and the milkman comes in…

The performance begins on the Ferrymead Historic Park Tram, which carries you back in time and deposits you into the motherly care of lovely homemakers Bea, Muriel, Gladys, Rosemary, Ruth, Dottie and Beryl. All is the picture of domestic bliss as Mrs. Irving Wallace (played by the wonderfully versatile Artistic Director Andrew Shepherd) opens the show with a witty lyrical commentary on life as we know it. 

This high energy fun and funky ‘radio show’ cabaret has something for everyone – offering helpful hints for the happy homemaker, tips on the do’s and don’ts of dancing, tongue in cheek advice for husbands and lending a hand in putting pants on women and…er…men. Cameos from Dick Tracy (played by the intriguing and talented Sean James), letters from fans and messages from favourite old-time sponsors pepper the show. 

Husky-voiced radio host Lucy Loveheart (played by the saucy Sarah Franks) keeps the show moving through the transitions as well as entertaining with some racy audience participation that will keep you laughing in your seats.

The evening’s ‘programmes’ are choreographed by Rebound company members, contributing to the flavour and variety of dance styles and themes. Colourful 1950s dresses and imaginative use of housekeeping props, including brooms, vacuum cleaners and laundry baskets, keep the entertainment coming as a variety of domestic themes are explored. Manly husband Richard (Sean James) keeps his wives in line through some fantastically clever choreography, yet ungrateful husbands get what’s coming to them in the darkly sexy final piece “Cell Block Tango,” choreographed by Candice Egan.

Quirky music choices paired with distinctive contemporary, elegant partnering and jazzy jive dance styles keep you on the edge of your seat and grinning from ear to ear. Highlights of the evening include the technical mastery and gorgeous feet of Sean James and the gritty and highly energetic “Who wears the pants,” choreographed by Fleur de Thier.

Although the cabaret style show is ‘recorded’ in front of you, the ‘live radio audience,’ it also has a real feel of being in your own living room – the warm table settings and delicious hors’ d’oeuvres keep you comfortable while the intimate interaction of dancers on the floor with you keeps you energized and engaged.

The entire cast obviously has a fabulous time on stage. This is one of the many reasons Rebound is such a fantastic dance company – the dancers are of an age where self-confidence has been attained, and they are dancing for the sheer enjoyment of it. 

The evening flies by too quickly – you will definitely want to check your schedule and keep your dial tuned to Rebound Radio for more amazing productions!

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