High camp, fun and raucous

Performer: Ceri Dupree Venue: On Broadway, Shortmarket Street, until Sunday Ceri Dupree is back in town for a limited run, and he's lost none of the stinging sizzle we have become accustomed to. The show is long, with two 10-minute intervals, and ends with a poignant farewell. Cape Town audiences will not see him for a long time, as he will be opening his own venue in Cardiff, Wales, in February. To outward appearances, Dupree is a nasty piece of work. But in truth, he cares for most of the people he impersonates on stage. He humanises, unpacks and demystifies world icons such as the British royal family who have made indelible marks on society. The show's first part is a sparky session of quick-fire gags and two songs. The outrageous performer dazzles with his experiences with the British royal family. Needless to say, the Camilla jokes are fast, rude and thigh-slappingly funny. Ceri knew Camilla before her affair with Charles ... when she was a man. And before that, when she was a camel. Princess Anne is not spared either. The second spot is a more measured session, Dupree impersonating his favourite divas and other difficult celebrities such as an ancient, perpetually horny Mae West, while Bette Davis gives us a bit more insight into the reason she and Joan Crawford became enemies . Those familiar with Dupree's antics will find some of the gags and jokes a bit old, but remember, we're not going to hear them again for a long time in Cape Town. For first-timers, Dupree is a gorgeous experience of high camp and bucketloads of laughter. We also get to hear bits of celebrity lore, such as Marlena Dietrich's 38-minute standing ovation in Russia. The third part is where Dupree unveils himself as an ordinary bloke as he fields questions from the audience. This session gets a bit more serious and reverent. Dupree also performs Quiet Please, There Is a Lady on Stage, a song written for Judy Garland. Dupree's reasoning behind the song is to educate audiences about the incredible amount of work that goes into a stage production. The song was written by Peter Allen when Garland was at an extremely low point in her life, after being booed and heckled while on stage. Garland was far gone in depression and booze, and the song was written in defence of her celebrity status. An Audience with Ceri Dupree is a fun, raucous night out on the town ... do see before he leaves. Written By Sergio Ben