Vaudeville Smash'd

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https://www.vaudevillesmash.com/

Date Reviewed: 23/11/2025

"Vaudeville Smash'd" is engaging, distinctive, and nearly impossible to define. It’s aptly billed as a jazz/comedy show, but don’t expect Miles Davis covers or stand-up. The music tends more towards disco-funk without sounding dated. Whatever you call it, "Vaudeville Smash'd" is a genre-bending romp with sparkle on the stage and electric energy in the crowd. Brooklyn’s House of Yes is the closest comparison. So if a flight to New York isn’t in your near future, but boundary-pushing nightlife calls to you, "Vaudeville Smash'd" is not to be missed.

The stars of the show, as “vaudeville” might suggest, are the acts. Expect to see spectacles such as contortionists, burlesque, and aerial artists that are a fitting nod to vaudeville’s roots. The Cheshire Cat grin of the contortionist as she spins her seemingly detached legs above her head still haunts me and proves that these classic acts have a place on the stage today. The other acts are uncommon in vaudeville, but are no less exciting. Surprise is a key part of these performances, so it’s best to go and see them yourself.

The band is intent on giving you a show no matter where you sit, but your seat will shape your show. For a clear view of the stage, opt for the VIP seats. The mix of music and showmanship creates a pulsating atmosphere that gets the GA audience up and dancing. If you plan on joining the fray, save your cash for the bar. 

Undeniably, Marc Lucchesi’s stage presence and ability to captivate the audience make "Vaudeville Smash'd" the spectacle it is. The only lull, if you can call it that, comes during his brief absence from the stage. His live voice and flute performances, however, have an imperfect edge. Occasional pitch volatility and breathiness, respectively, dampen the music's force. His powerful saxophone skills shine through when brought to the front. James Bowers’s keyboard work is a high point. Ash Griffin, Luca Lucchesi, and Dan Lucchesi are reliable in both their command of the stage and their instruments. 

As a venue, Spiegel Haus is worth a visit in its own right. The roof bar seems the perfect place to enjoy a drink before a show on a sunny summer day. If you’re going on a rainy day, an umbrella is recommended. 

While "Vaudeville Smash'd" might be named after and pay tribute to a form of performance art that peaked in popularity over a century ago, the show is modern and chock-full of life. Every act brings the audience to their feet or to the edge of their seats.

Reviewed by Kate Himonas