Fascinating Aida was formed in 1983, and has been through a few line-up changes since, with Dillie (who you might recognise from Grumpy Old Women, although she has a very varied stage career) the founder and longest-serving member.
She was joined on stage by her long-time collaborator Adele Anderson and the newest and youngest member of the group, Sarah-Louise Young. It’s a trio that works really well:each is a strong singer with impeccable comic timing, but brings their own take to the mix.
How often do you see women, especially older women, on stage or screen being ribald, funny, dirty and political? Not often enough, and certainly not in song.
The evening started with a song about tax evasion - Companies Utilising Nifty Tax Schemes (“or cunts”) and didn’t let up.
Short ‘song cycles’ satirised the week’s news, and a rather amazing ‘yoof’ parody included both the wonderful sight of Dillie Keane moonwalking and lines from Whip My Hair, while the ‘Love’ songs turned out to focus on sex (Dogging and One Night Stand) or polyamory (Mr and Mrs and Me).
You can sample a little of the FA goodness on their website - but it's an act that works far better in person than through a screen.
Squeamish Louise