This Is What We Call the Justine Smith Show at the Herald Theatre

By SHANNON HUSE

Justine Smith's show is the perfect tonic for the doom and gloom being served up each night on television.

It's a chance to forget events like Beslan and other acts of terrorism for an hour and revel in a kitsch celebration of The Muppets, Bette Midler, vodka-tinis, ironic modern dance, wind machines and channelling your inner diva.

The show is a fictionalised account of Smith's life and career, her rejection of life in Christchurch and her search for Bette Midler who she believes is her real mother.

She is a funny and engaging performer who creates a vibrant world for the audience to share.

In the programme she says the piece was created in the spirit of fun and love and she hopes this translates to the audience.

She doesn't need to worry; this is a raucous and rollicking affair with plenty of appeal.

Set designer Mark Crane has done a good job of creating Justine's world. The action takes place on a bright red multilevel stage with a retro bar at one end and a lounge at the other.

In the centre is a large screen, and the production combines video and live action effectively with filmed characters jumping out of the screen to appear live in front of the audience. Justine's diva entrance and the finale are particular highlights.

Anton Steel and Kylie de la Barca deserve mention for their technical input into the video scenes.

As do the host of cameo performances from some well-known actors and singers, including Cath Saunders (as her mother), Emily O'Brien Brown and Toni Potter as bimbos Muffin and Honey, and comedian Dai Henwood in a nice cameo as a funky chicken.