by guest critic Amy Toledano

What would you do if you knew it was your last day on earth? Yeah, neither does Cat. So she walks home. Not to the place she is living. But the place she is from.

The Pit theatre at the Vaults is the perfect setting for this hauntingly beautiful piece, feeling much like an abandoned church, with the seating in traverse and Cat entering the space in a stunning dress and with an explosive voice.

Part stand-up comedy, part cabaret, Cat recounts to us all the things that have happened in the lead up to the end of the world, both politically and socially. She then explains all the things she has done herself, and how, in this last hour, she has ended up here.

Cat’s dry brand of humour has me laughing along with her as she laments the state of the world and how sad she is that not only is she and everyone she knew about to die, she really wished her phone still worked.

A special mention needs to be made for Cat’s accompanist, Fraser Parry, an incredible cellist who underscores this show with ominous notes. In particular, the connection between Cat and Fraser is a marvel to witness and showed an extremely high level of musicianship.

This show is unlike many at the festival. and it’s a pleasure to spend the sixty minutes with Cat and hearing this old soul bear herself to us.

Cat Loud: To the End of the World! runs through 4 February.

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