Justin Bond - 'Lustre' at the Soho Theatre

Last night we went to see Justin Bond's new show, 'Lustre' at the Soho Theatre. It started late due to the early evening show over-running and it was the night after the press show - Justin said he wasn't on top form and it showed every now and then, but was still hugely enjoyable.

The show opened with some atmospheric chanting over the speakers as the lights dipped and then on came Justin with Our Lady J at the piano and we were treated to songs and chatter with Justin's mad flights of fancy all vaguely around the theme of 'trans' (as in transgender). Justin can be a very calming person to listen to provided you go with the flow of his personal stream of consciousness and don't worry too much about where you're going, and I like his selection of oddball songs that turn into high cabaret in his presence. But Justin, where on earth did you get those frocks? Flattering is just one of the many things they aren't...

Our Lady J was on piano throughout Justin's performance, providing backing to the songs and occasional tinkling through the chatter. She also had her own solo spot and sang an amusing song about her 'Pink Prada Purse' and the gun she keeps inside it (for emergencies only, you understand, like killing potential boyfriends before they become boyfriends and can hurt her). She's an excellent piano player - not just plonking away at the keys but stroking them and coaxing them into sonic adventures. I was most impressed. And she is unfeasibly tall, probably emphasised by the teeny, tiny sparkly black mini-dress and acres of leg.

Also on the bill was a small waif and stray from Brooklyn with sleeves torn off his shirt who did his turn from the balcony and part-way down the stairs to the stage before vanishing. He goes by the name of Novice Theory, looks about 15 but has a big voice and accompanied himself on an accordion. Like Our Lady J, he can really play and writes the wordiest songs I've heard in a while. And he's really good. He only sang one song in the show but scoot on over to his MySpace page to listen to a selection of his songs (with piano, not accordion). I think his songs and delivery are excellent and will be happy to see him again - I'm cursing myself for not buying his CD after the show.

Each night Justin has a local guest to do a turn and last night it was Dickie Beau who came on stage in a clown outfit and left wearing a basque. He did two atmospheric songs, simple, stark electronica with his desolate voice, ending with opening a glitter-filled umbrella which must be his signature piece. I enjoyed the songs but it felt like they were part of a longer performance cut short to fit into the slot.

Justin was all over the shop with tales of pagan festivals leading to the current economic crash, possibly voting for Sarah Pallin since she reminds him of his mother, not knowing when his friends are seriously mad (as in ill) because they're wierdos anyway and how trans people are the best since they can be one thing or another or neither if they wish - they have the power to transform. Every now and then Our Lady J played a phrase from Bambi Lake's 'Golden Age of Hustlers' that made me think they were going to play it but they didn't, it just popped up for a few seconds and then vanished.

Our Lady J and Novice Theory both had CDs for sale after the show but Justin didn't - he really ought to get his finger out and get into a studio for a day. I've seen three of Justin's shows now, and one Kiki & Herb show, and I prefer his solo shows, free of the Kiki persona. In these digital days it's not that difficult to record stuff for posterity - and to improve the profit margin. I'd buy a CD or two.