Ballad of the Burning Star, Battersea Arts Centre

A cabaret musical about Israel? Theatre ad Infinitum’s new show sounds unlikely, but its bold and provocative approach garnered critical plaudits and awards at the Edinburgh Fringe. Now the company’s distinctive brand of theatrical dynamite is making its London premiere at Battersea Arts Centre, promising an explosive evening’s viewing.

Ballad of the Burning Star looks at modern-day Israel through the lens of a young boy’s coming of age, filtered through the surprising medium of a satirical cabaret act. Writer and director Nir Paldi also takes the leading role in the show as Star, the fabulous drag-queen host and narrator. Using song, dance and controversial humour, the piece examines conflict within both the individual and the nation, asking what happens when oppressed becomes oppressor.

Theatre ad Infinitum is anything but a one trick pony. The company was last seen with the award-winning Translunar Paradise, a gentle, wordless story of love and mourning that used masks, mime and accordion music. Ballad of the Burning Star could not be more different. The show is loud, brash and gaudy, as is its fearsome narrator. But if the thought of cabaret, high kicks and blistering satire puts you off, the show also has a surprisingly vulnerable side that is worth waiting for.

Ballad of the Burning Star is not always easy watching, confronting the difficult questions at the heart of Israeli identity. But for theatregoers who like to be challenged as well as entertained, this fearless show offers much to think about long after its shockwaves have dispersed.