The children’s classic takes an adult twist through this naughty adaptation crossing a few lines and dresses. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if in this f*cked-up universe anyone got to wave their magic wand…
It’s a thrilla in Manilla between Diana and Camilla! Oh, wait – that line wasn’t from that show. Though I’m surprised the b*tch didn’t make a joke about how that musical crashed just like… well, you know where I’m going… A bit disrespectful, isn’t it? I guess not everyone can back or ride the right horse – or horseman… Oh, put a sock in it! Seriously, you’d be surprised how much you like it… Too much, already? I’m sorry (not), but this is just the beginning. After all, it’s an adult panto. And adult drag panto. And adult gay drag camp – you get the picture. They’ve done Cinderella, they’ve done Prince Charming, and now they’ve done Sleeping Beauty – hopefully, not when she was unconscious…
Welcome to the queendom of… I’ve said enough. Imagine a ravishing ingenue (cuz you won’t find any), a troupe of depraved royals (not sure if the adjective was necessary in this one) and a cantankerous b*tch that gets touchy… and fiery… And also takes mistakes with invitations far too personally. And there you have it: it’s your last sorority party all over again! And also, an adult panto for some reason, filled with… Filled… And well bred, too.
Be prepared to get cracked and torn – there’s a shortage of lube, I’ve been told. And also, get ready to laugh your booty (I’m still a lady) off with this outrageously funny (and funnily outrageous) comedy turning the old princess tale (calm down, hun, I was talking about the story) once again upside down – not that the slut dislikes it, though. Packed with hilarious jokes, amusing musical numbers and a good bunch of slapstick (I’ve heard both things work fabulously in bed), Sleeping Beauty keeps the entertainment wide awake through its loony narrative, keeping the structure of the original while also giving it enough of a poke to make your jaw drop – which is exactly what that guy did to me last night too…
Written by Miss Mopp and directed by Chris Clegg, this bonkers piece is as absurd and grotesque as it’s brilliant, guaranteed to put a smile on your face on almost every minute and trigger a continuous applause for this lovely troupe of dicks and cunts – first time that I’ve ever done that to the latter, to be honest. With limited though well-resolved staging and surprisingly intricate lighting given the production’s format, the show does rely, nonetheless, on gorgeous costume designs – seamlessly blending (no pun intended) its generally burlesque tone with a more elaborate, whimsical style. In other words, a match between the top and bottom… of society.
As for the cast, the whole company bends over backwards – they’re certainly experienced in that regard… A few mentions are worth being made, starting with Michael Marouli in the role of Fairy Fabulous (she’s humble, you know?). Oozing infectious energy and flawless comedic timing, her performance is strongly complemented by Ophelia Love as loser wannabe actress Villager No 4 – I think she got the wrong idea of what starting from a low point means in this industry… In addition, Victoria Scone deserves every single boo as the villainous Carabosse, taking the audience by storm with her uproarious gags (not the ones you’re thinking of, pervs) and magnetic presence. However, the biggest clap (wherever she asks for it) is earned by Kate Butch in the part of Queen Camilla, bringing the house down with her excellent improv skills and natural charm – in a hussy kind of way, but still.
Truly, an evening of non-stop enjoyment, Sleeping Beauty, The Drag Panto is far from being a travesty of piece, and closer to a glittering success as for what montages of these sorts (especially, drag queen shows) should aspire to. There’s structure, storytelling and, above all, care to achieve something that, though not perfect, proves respect and passion for the viewers and the artform alike. There’s some minor blemishes, but easily polished. And it’s also fair to say that the vocals were not particularly the greatest in the West End. But maybe just give them time. I wasn’t great when I started doing stuff with my mouth either, and now I’ve become a pro.
Sleeping Beauty, The Drag Panto plays at London’s Harold Pinter Theatre until 31 December. Tickets are available on the following link.