If you are looking for something special to do this Halloween then we have a special treat for you today. Michaela Betts and Colm Molloy are hosting a special Halloween Cabaret on the 31st October at Crazy Coqs, at Brasserie Zedel from 7pm in London. I spoke to the duo to find out all about it.
Tell us about yourself
Michaela Betts is a baroque-pop singer songwriter, session singer and theatre maker, writing about real life experiences in a surreal and haunting folk-fairytale way. Session credits include: Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance (Netflix), Coffee Wars (feature), Puppeteer (PlayStation). The animated music video for her song The Rose (Darker) about childhood trauma won: Best Horror Music Video – Tabloid Witch Awards, Best Film (Experimental) – Canberra Short Film Festival, Best Animation – Experimental Dance & Music Film Festival.
Colm Molloy is an Anglo-Irish composer, lyricist and pianist working in musical theatre. Credits include A Threshold, co-commissioned by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, Let Me Dress You commissioned by ALP Musicals for Newsfeed, Where We Are – choral commission by The Sunday Boys premiered at The Lowry. Colm maintains a rewarding position with Liberty Choir, a charity that brings therapeutic provision to prisoners and offenders through singing. He is also a lifetime Sondheim fan and has gained notoriety with his Sondheim birthday puzzle medleys.
Michaela & Colm met through a shared love and appreciation of the folk singer songwriter Judee Sill. Judee’s work (which is criminally overlooked), is not available as notated sheet music so Michaela reached out to Colm for a transcription of Jesus Was A Cross Maker and The Kiss. They struck up a friendship and realised they had many shared musical tastes, quirks, and passions.
Tell us a bit about the show Trick or Treat – A Halloween Cabaret?
Trick or Treat – A Halloween Cabaret was born out of Michaela & Colm’s weekly musical splurge sessions at Schott Music, where they sing and play their favourite tunes for hours, experimenting with arrangements, vocals, harmonies, and having fun with unconventional instruments. Customers on the shop floor of Schott have been treated to tin whistles, kazoos, recorders, a jaw harp, mandolin, autoharp, kalimba, triangle, oscillating synths and raucous laughter. The show genre-hops from mediaeval music to rock, pop, musical theatre and classical with some unearthed folk songs.
How are rehearsals going?
Terrifying, scary but great fun! Colm and I are both far out of our comfort zones as I like to hide behind the piano (rather than be centre stage) and Colm doesn’t usually sing (I LOVE his voice). We are both urging each other to take risks and switch roles and share songs constantly throughout the cabaret. We have a sparky and natural chemistry, which hopefully you will witness on stage!
What can you tell us about the stage set?
We are playing three gigs – two at the Etcetera Theatre, Camden and one at Crazy Coqs, Piccadilly. The ambience is very different in each venue, Etcetera is a black box space, intimate and stark – we have no set just lighting so it’s all about the music and us. Crazy Coqs is a glamorous art-deco style venue with a grand piano, table service and cocktails, which will make for a more sparkly performance. The contrast in venues will bring out differences in the performances, so we recommend attending both haha.
Tell us a little bit about the rest of the cast
It’s a 2-hander with Colm and I but boy do we play a lot of instruments and do a lot!
What is the most challenging thing about doing the show?
Switching between genres and roles. For me it’s remembering the timing in the Dowland lute song and tiny lyrical changes in Kurt Weill. Colm REALLY enjoys the fast piano runs in Harry Potter (you have to come to the show to find out which song!)
What have been some of the best highlights since doing the show?
Bursting into fits of laughter trying to do a kazoo solo. Watching Colm play a foot tambourine whilst doing athletic chordal jumps on the piano. Deep diving into 70s folk horror.
What is the best reaction you have had from an audience member?
We have posted videos on social media, our harpsichord / vocal cover of Scary by Bjork had comments like “True talent!!!” “Beautiful rendition”, “Wow, this is amazing!”
If people want to follow you on social media where can they find you?
Instagram: @mikbetts @colmmolloy_
YouTube: @michaelabetts @MisterMolloy
Finally in three words why should people come to your show?
Genre-Hopping, Musical Extravaganza!
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