The Royal Court hosts the London transfer of this new Western comedy by the RSC exploring queer identities and freedom of expression. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know its absurd humour has actually substance or is all hat instead.
Aw, there’s nothing like a handsome cowboy frothing some milk right before your eyes. I’m not joking – that’s actually a scene. They were having tea and she needed some help with the spoon. If you’re thinking something remotely different to its literal meaning, seek medical assistance – especially after seeing this show. Because chances are you will have a heart attack from laughing from start to finish.
Enter Cowbois (that’s the title, I knowe how too spell propertly), a new comedy landing at the Royal Court after its initial run at the RSC’s Swan Theatre. Penned by Charlie Josephine (also serving as co-director next to Sean Holes), the piece is a playful twist on the traditional Western formula – poking fun at both societal and artistic cliches while crafting a compelling tale of romance, resilience and self-discovery.
Set amidst the turbulent years of the Gold Rush, the play takes off as a group of married women are left alone when their husbands depart in search of the yellow wealth – soon to find out that the most dangerous bandit from the American Mid-West (despite speaking with a regional British accent) is on the loose. Panic strikes as their fear turns into reality, when the notorious bad boy ends up crashing at the ladies’ saloon – just to show them how the only thing to be truly scared by is ignorance; either if that is about others, or even about ourselves.
An uproarious spectacle of laughter and storytelling, the montage succeeds at developing an incredibly entertaining recount that, far from just focusing on the amusement, delivers an activist message of diversity and respect that underscores the whole plot – but never takes over it or ends up sounding preachy. Presenting us with extremely sympathetic characters, the relatability of its roles is, by all means, one of the narrative’s strongest features – building a swift, smooth bond with impeccable craftsmanship, and allowing us to easily feel for them despite the distances between their and our reality (though I’m pretty sure that we both ride stallions in a similar manner…).
Structured as a play with songs, the show’s rhythm is faultlessly paced – keeping up the interest and heightening the enjoyment through musical moments that, rather than disconnecting us from the action, actually enhance its arc and accentuate the irony. On the other hand, the production also counts on accomplished staging, with a set design that, though petite, preserves and evokes both the account’s universe’s essence and style. At the same, its colourful and, to some extent, intricate costumes contribute to a dazzling display of visuals, where the lead part is taken by its beautifully stylized lighting.
The praise continues with its cast, as practically all of the performances make a ravishing impression thanks to their infectious energy and excellent comedic timing. Among them, Sophie Melville stands out through her charming and somehow charismatic portrayal of Miss Lillian, while Lucy McCormick and Emma Pallant bring the house down through their hilarious renditions as the eccentric and lovably manic girl friends Jayne and Sally Anne. However, the biggest shout-out goes to Vinnie Heaven, for their magnetic, theatrically seductive interpretation of the notorious bad boy Jack (he rips too, but tearing you open in another way…).
An absorbing, stimulating and, above all, remarkably fun experience on the stalls (and even more titillating if you choose wisely on the dress circle), Cowbois triumphs at making its audience go great guns through light-hearted humour and heavily introspective content. A tale of advocacy for difference and freedom, its conciliatory tone serves as an amiable letter aimed at a divided society. We don’t need to fight for who had it harder, or retaliate against each other. But instead, build bridges where we all can walk on hand by hand.
All pictures credit to Henri T © RSC.
Cowbois plays at London’s Royal Court Theatre until 10 February. Tickets are available on the following link.