The Pleasance Theatre brings up the glitter with this new comedy exploring the not-so-shiny journey of a cabaret performer. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if this bra-sic montage is in need of some dragstic solutions.
I feel as if every time I go see a gay play, the chances of f*cking things up keep getting bigger and bigger (I’m not going for that pun, you slutty brat). But then, I guess that’s what one is looking for where visiting the backstage area – whoever that rear part belongs to… Before you judge me, let me just say that it takes one to know one. Oh, just a minute, right – it also takes looks, my apologies, it doesn’t concern you then.
Enter (not in the way you’re wishing for, though) Drag Baby, a new play bringing out the dodgy allure of clandestine (ish) cabaret reality, mixing it up with the ordinary struggles of an unorthodox lifestyle (by Hungarian right-wing standards… oh, no, wait…). Penned by Grace Carroll, the piece revolves around a struggling drag performer, whose both professional and personal paths are about to go through a complete and unexpected turn of events, when he finds out he’s been selected to star in a new mainstream TV show… but also to become his longlasting friend’s father to the child she wants to have.
Sketching out an interesting conflict with tremendous possibilities to explore and benefit from, the final result, however, is sadly closer to a Grindr meet-up based on kind angles: it’s not as grand as it promised. Though making a noticeable effort in combining comedy with an insightful journey through introspective themes such as parental homophobia, school bullying and coming to terms with the intrinsic aspects of adulthood, none of them are, most unfortunately, dealt with in a manner that feels effective – let alone, compelling.
Relying on too predictable jokes and, in general, an underdeveloped story arc founded on a structure that, all in all, appears to be slightly disorganised, the plot fails to deliver sufficient enticement and, eventually, connect with its audience from an entertainment and emotional point of view – many times, pushing too hard to either make us laugh or shed a tear, and regrettably achieving the opposite reaction which, in the end, is next to none.
The reason why stems from some of the topics themselves – their heart is in the right place, but their ideas seem to be striving to catch up. It feels too 90s. It’s difficult to believe that nowadays a gay man wouldn’t have considered becoming a daddy (if you do, I’m very good at curating sugar… just so you know). Fortunately, that’s been a possibility for the LGBT community for years now (though I’m still dubious about being bred) – thus, introducing us to a character that’s so anchored to a non-existent reality erases every opportunity for universality, and most importantly, a bond with the viewer.
Some credit must be given, in any case, to its impressively capable cast cast – putting together a rather satisfactory performance despite the script looking too unloaded to make a splash (just seek therapy, you dirtyminded scoundrel). Among them, Che gives a magnetic portrayal in the role of Nathan, crafting a sympathetic personage dwelling underneath an armour of pure bitchiness (I appreciate the homage). On the other hand, Stephen Cheriton makes the most memorable appearance in the lead role of Dan, endowing him with charm and vulnerability while also granting him some specks of sassiness.
Riding on a flacid surface while erecting some hints of potential, Drag Baby teases a promise of edgy fun and societal observations, but wistfully sucks up all its possibilities by foreplaying with subjects it later finds difficulty to fill up. More polished dialogue, additional cattiness and a better drafted outline are the key changes necessary to let its substance finally explode instead of flying over our heads. Its musical tribute acts and filthy humour approach could be the basis for a true banger – but for that to happen, you need to find the right gang.
Drag Baby plays at London’s Pleasance Theatre until 22nd June. Tickets are available on the following link.