Creena Defoouie

Published on Monday 7 August 2006 00:48

SWEET ECA (VENUE 186)

THERE'S more than a touch of The League of Gentlemen about this surreal comedy. With a cast of grotesques, a Royston Vasey-esque closed community (Rambey House - "the abode that removes the 'in' from insane") and a murderous theme, watching it is like being back in the Peak District.

Creena, a counsellor and homicidal maniac, is embodied by Charlotte Barton-Hoare, replete with knee-length leather boots and truly terrifying eye make-up. Think Cruella de Vil, Columbia from The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a pinch of Sally Bowles, and you've just about got Creena. After bumping off one too many patients in an attempt to avenge the death of her sister, Mary Annabel, the deranged Creena is investigated by the extraordinarily well-endowed Detective Inspector Russell Hardon. The showdown between the two with green dildos is a highlight. As is the eventual appearance in flashback of Mary Annabel.

If you like weird then this show's worth a look. And there's even a chance to win a bottle of champagne each night.

• Until 12 August. Tonight 7.50pm