one4review | On 16, Aug 2024

Lie with me is a mind bending and sometimes operatic performance by Riah Knight that has you relaxing one minute then feeling the nervous anxiety and frustration of the performer the next.

Riah wakes up in a surprised state to find an audience looking at her and feels compelled to put on a performance. She speaks to the audience and gets their thoughts on why they are there before giving her thoughts and ideas on various subjects. There is a mild and sometimes cringey religious theme running through the show but it all links in very well. She discusses Adam and Eve and the story of Adams 1st wife Lilith who fled from Adam due to his demands but when God sends some angels to bring her back, Riah bursts into song. She stops for a spot of lunch, a spare rib as it happens which may be a subtle reference to Adam.

Riah introduces us to some very comical yet interesting pets before discussing the need for a boyfriend. She sings a provocative song “We’re not Gods” before physically cleansing a volunteer from the audience which was unusual but funny at the same time. She picks a boyfriend but is so full on too soon, they break up before its even began. She fantasises and teases the audience before ending the show with audience members being invited on to her makeshift bed to chat and have a drink.

This was a particularly good show, and Riah’s vocals are excellent. She interacts with the audience throughout in a Chaotic yet endearing performance that deserves a bigger audience.

****

Reviewed by Steve
C Arts C Venues C Alto Studio)
12.15 (50 mins)
Until 24th August (not 18)