Tallinn Fringe 2026 kicked off in a fabulous way with glorious weather and an audience milling about outside of Heldeke! before the doors opened, eager to take their seats but not knowing what to expect. We are here for Love Is A Lube, a “therapy cabaret” freakshow of friendship and personal expression. On stage this evening are the host and drag princess Cvm.unity Surwigs, sadboy rocker Lebo Sibul, and uncanny burlesque jester d’Argento.
Pre-show, the performers are mingling behind the bar, at the door, and amongst the crowd as the room fills steadily, the bar doing brisk trade. The stage is set with a red velvet sofa, shiny clothes, and a furry pink box, as well as sundry microphones and tech equipment, all overseen by the illuminated eye of Lebo Sibul. The attendees are a blend of ages, languages, and gender expressions, packing in close as the house fills and show begins.
The show itself uses therapy as a frame narrative for loosely-connected interludes of songs, burlesque, and unhinged friendship, as our performers share their struggles and bare their…souls. Cvm.unity’s energy is domineering and dismissive to Lebo’s shrinking submissiveness, which is shed when he enters “Disney Princess” mode and sings his feelings. d’Argento’s physical emotiveness and control are impeccable, whether miming, lip-syncing, or finally sharing his incredible voice in song. Together their energy is chaotic and creative, unscripted but structured, and shot through with multilingual puns and wordplay.
Speaking with the performers after the show, we discuss its changeable nature, and how each performance is approached fresh with new interplay and dynamics while still showcasing the energy of the cast. This one was not like the last, and the next will be different again.
The final performance of this kaleidoscopic cabaret is this Saturday, 22 August, but the performers can be found participating throughout the Tallinn Fringe Festival, which runs until 18 September.
Author: Laurie
Laurie likes alliteration, ambiance, and lists with three things.
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