BESEA & ESEA Rock ‘n’ roll - music & comedy at Moongate Mix #4 at Omnibus Theatre (Ken Cheng/Yau/Yuriko Kotani/Wondermare)

Like some other ESEA I’ve spoken to, I’ve been finding it hard to leave the house. At the same time, I really needed a change of scene for my mental health.

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So I decided to go on a date with myself .. to a riveting ESEA (East & Southeast Asian) show!⁣

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“What might it feel like to perform live again?” - one question that drew me to MoonGate Production's 4th Moongate Mix at OmnibusTheatre ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

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After 5 electric️ BESEA and ESEA performances I can’t wait to!! ⁣⁣⁣⁣
Read on and find out more…

NB: This is an UN-official review with blurry snaps!Through a squid’s eyes…


BESEA country punk trio Wondermare MAKE ME WANT TO BE IN A BAND AGAIN. ESEA Riot Grrrrl is alive & well. Political lyrics & frenetic mandolin - on point, funny & raucous! ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

3 East/Southeast Asian bandmembers. 1 plays a mandolin. 1 plays guitar and sings. 1 plays bass. Behind them are christmas tree, turquoise shiny curtains and colourful bunting plus assorted decor and cables.

BESEA Yau (Sophie Yau-Sylvestre) has a voice like silk (a cliche ? but true!) with live Chet Baker trumpet vibes. I agree with Yau about Spotify! Check out her tender, soulful music w. expansive textures!

Yau (Sophie Yau-Sylvestre) is an ESEA singer-songwriter with long black curly hair and a big smile. She wears a neon yellow top and holds a guitar.
Yau and trumpeter

Japanese comedian Yuriko Kotani yells hilarious comments on rude white men, ribald thunderbolts & other familial/work surprises. Poss the 4th ever ESEA female stand up I’ve seen - feels v. healing! ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

Yuriko Kotani - Japanese comedian wearing a bright red dress and holding a mic.

Seeing Ken Cheng, I want to indulge my bright retro sports top fantasy even tho I look terrible in orange! After Ken’s disturbing reveal, I’m not sure I wish to see the film Ratatouille but I do (contrary to his advice!) wanna try stand up! ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

Ken Cheng is a British-born Chinese comedian wearing a bright yellow, orange and maroon sports top and holding a mic. He has a happy smile and his eyes are almost closed. He wears glasses.

Who’s the 5th?!! ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

Makan Malaysia of course! The star of the show  which lured me all the way to south was the Nasi Lemak (jackfruit & shiitake mushroom rendang), veggie fritters & pandan cakes. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

Nasi Lemak Rendang food and fritters by Makan Malaysian

Shout also to Hag (reclaiming the word “hag”) & ritually prepared vegan botanical balms & oils  who had a cute holly adorned stall.⁣⁣⁣⁣

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Overall verdict: I had a cool time at this ESEA festival of frankness. AND… now I want to move to South London! ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

"Wish upon a star" - gold letters on dark brown star. Gold background with dark brown dots.

Mental health resources


THERAPY

BAATN - The Black, African and Asian therapy network (UK)

Pink Therapy - Gender and Sexual Diversity Therapy in the UK


UK HELPLINES

Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline: 0300 330 0630

Mind Infoline: 0300 123 3393

Samaritans: Call 116 123

Wherever you are, whatever you need - support lines


Check out my #StopAsianHate & LGBTIQA+ pop song..
Listen to Asians Have Feelings Too on Spotify

Asians Have Feelings Too Spotify Artwork

Asians Have Feelings Too SoundCloud Track Artwork

Asians Have Feelings Too Bandcamp Track Artwork