Liberace – In His Own Words
★★★★☆ Impressive technique
PBH’s Free Fringe @ Voodoo Rooms (Venue 68b): Sat 2 – Sun 24 Aug 2025
Review by Hugh Simpson
A well-crafted narrative and some stunning piano playing can be found in Liberace –In His Own Words, from Prima La Musica in the Ballroom at the Voodoo Rooms as part of PBH’s Free Fringe throughout all three weeks.
In this one-hander, Richard Lewis plays the flamboyant musician whose extravagant costumes, candelabra-topped piano and habit of playing classical music ‘without the boring bits’ helped him to fame in the 1940s.
Richard Lewis performs as Liberace in the Voodoo Rooms. Pic Cat McInally.
His huge following live and on television kept him in the public eye long after his contemporaries had faded from view, and made him an obvious influence on Elton John, as well as more surprising performers (apparently including Bill Evans and Lang Lang).
Lewis replicates Liberace’s charm and winning way with an audience, and most importantly is a remarkably good piano player, whether charging through the souped-up classics spliced with popular song, or racing along in double-speed boogie-woogie. There are also some well-chosen vocal numbers.
It is noticeable that the vast majority of the audience choose to sit stage right (the left-hand side of the auditorium as you come in), all the better to see Lewis’s flying hands. But the effect can be felt anywhere.
The how is not just about piano technique, however. As well as being a treat for any fans, the production includes enough biographical and personal information (elegantly drip-fed throughout) to make any beginner feel familiar enough with the story of Liberace’s childhood, early career, Vegas stardom and the criticism that famously had him ‘crying all the way to the bank’.
extremely satisfying
The production does not hide away from his disappointments and failures, and addresses Liberace keeping his sexuality a secret for so long. Apparently afraid of the effect on his legions of female admirers, he even went so far as to sue a British tabloid for insinuating he was gay. The effect this had on his relationships is touched upon, but this side of the story certainly does not dominate affairs.
Instead it concentrates on Liberace’s flair for showbiz and apparently effortless piano technique, which Lewis is more than capable of reproducing in a production that is extremely satisfying.
Running time: 45 minutes (no interval).
PBH’s Free Fringe @ Voodoo Rooms (Ballroom) (Hepburn Suite), West Register St, EH2 2AA. (Venue 68b).
Saturday 2 – Sunday 24 August 2025.
Daily (not Mon 11 or 18): 12.05 pm.
Tickets and details: Book here on EdFringe.com.
Instagram: @ricsi luigi
YouTube: Liberace – in his own words…
ENDS
