The British Guide to Showing Off

The opening scene of The British Guide to Showing Off could justifiably be described as chaotic and grotesque but, through the documentary, the energy of Andrew Logan and the Alternative Miss World is contagious.

Its seductive zest can be attributed to many aspects of the 97-minute piece; it’s celebration of British culture, the exquisite couture, the crude, the kitch. Overall, it is the passion, inspirations and history of Logan; family memoirs, acid trips and all, that is the most compelling.

The group’s irrepressible ethos remind me of recent cinematic depictions Studio 54 or the Beat Movement; seemingly inclusive groups that allow for expression of thought. At a few points in the documentary, it could be construed that Andrew Logan’s troop is another slightly cliquey one of these, but it is soon clear that this is not the case. They welcome all and do not care about fame, fortune or the appraisal of others. When speaking of Logan’s work, it is said that the snobs of the art world are probably not interested as everyone likes it. Throughout the documentary, there is this sense of mild mockery of these potentially restricting institutions. Logan describes Warhol and the Studio 54 movement as “creepy” and lacking “ heat”. Arguably, in comparison to his own movement, this is true; they were “cool”, in the colloquial sense of the word, but in doing so, they lost their energy. Logan and co haven’t; this snobbery is antithetical to the spirit of their show and life.

The documentary was also entertaining, too, due to the great people involved. My particular favourites were his sister, Janet, who had a kindred vivacity; Molly Parkin, who had a sparky, dark humour and said warmly of a previous contestant breaking the stage: it “wasn’t really built for someone as wide as they were tall”; and finally, their long-term choreographer –  all who had been involved in previous ‘Alternative Miss Worlds”. There is a fabulous scene where, in preparation for the 2009 opening sequence, he, Logan, and his partner are cavorting around; walking through the steps waving imaginary flags. There are also some ‘big names’ featured, who have been involved in some of the show’s forty colourful years; David Hockney, David Bowie, Simon Callow, Ruby Wax and Zandra Rhodes, to name but a few.

In a rather depressing moment, Logan says: “I don’t think [‘alternative’] exists” anymore. It is hard to know what to make of this statement. Is he disillusioned with the creative spirit of today, or is he slightly deluded as to what ‘alternative’
consists of? I would have to say in absolute certainty, especially after watching the documentary, it is not the latter. Logan’s show in the quintessence of ‘alternative’. His final show in 2009 seemed to bring back to life a spirit of ‘alternative’ which welcomed a whole “new galvanised generation of freaks and misfits”.

There is something truly special about Andrew Logan and all those involved in ‘The British Guide to Showing Off”. It is an alternative, inspirational and liberating piece, the likes of which are often thought extinct, that gives hope and pizzazz to all who watch it.

Jes Benstock’s quirky, cult, fashion filled documentary THE BRITISH GUIDE TO SHOWING OFF is released on DVD and Blu-Ray on January 23rd.

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