The legendary post-punk, cult cabaret superstars The Tiger Lillies, return with a new narrative concert.
First published over a hundred years ago, The Last Days of Mankind is one of the most important works by the fearless Austrian satirical writer Karl Kraus. The play was written in reaction to the horrors of the First World War. It depicts a society blithely marching on to its self-destruction and urged along all the way by big business, hapless diplomacy and a warmongering press.
As an apocalyptic drama it is a fierce condemnation of events at the time, but has remained relevant ever since and has been adapted for stage and screen on many occasions.
Martyn Jacques, founder of The Tiger Lillies, has written new suite of songs inspired by the biting sarcasm and absurdity, the black humour and inhumanity of the original. The world of the Olivier award-winning Tiger Lillies is dark, peculiar and varied, with moments of deep sadness, cruel black humour and immense beauty. This unique, Grammy nominated, Brechtian street opera trio tour the world playing concerts and theatre shows such as The Tiger Lillies Christmas Carol, One Penny Opera and the West End hit Shockheaded Peter.
“ At the heart of this is the Tiger Lillies, the pasty-faced junkyard cabaret trio led by Martyn Jacques, who becomes a grotesquely captivating MC of sorts. Their newly composed set of narrative vignettes add an even darker layer of malevolence to a show that leaves its audience quietly shellshocked by such a mighty theatrical feat.”
Herald Scotland (on the Leith Theatre production)
"The Last Days of Mankind is a strong addition to the band’s vast
repertoire and there is probably no better way to listen to it than live
at Wilton’s Music Hall"
★★★★★- The Up Coming
“ Martyn Jacques is a charismatic focus. Trudging between his piano and accordion like a man weighed down by supernatural dread – yet his voice is a molten cascade. The execution is impeccable throughout. Phenomenal.” ★★★★★ — The Guardian
The music was originally featured in a theatrical production of Last Days of Mankind at Leith Theatre in 2018, co-directed by John Paul McGroarty and Yuri Birte Anderson.
Running time: 90 minutes + 20 minute interval
Running time: 90 minutes + 20 minute interval
This production contains adult Themes, explicit language, and haze.