Snow White and the Seven Drag Queens, UK Tour Review

Reviews

5 Jan

Written by Stacy for Theatre and Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

It's a Saturday night, it's Newcastle, the masses are flocking and the place to be is the City Hall for Snow White and the Seven Drag Queens. This show is a riotous, glitter-filled extravaganza that injects cheeky humour, vibrant energy, and a hearty dose of fabulousness into the classic fairytale. Written and directed by David Ducasse and performed with unmatched charisma, this adult pantomime is a delightful night out for those looking for laughs, sass, and a touch of naughtiness.

The show takes the familiar Snow White tale and flips it on its head, adding dazzling drag queens, raucous one-liners, and a storyline brimming with adult humour. Snow White, played with charm and poise by Amelia Cavagan, is a refreshingly modern take on the traditional damsel. However, the true stars of the show are the titular seven drag queens. Each queen brings her own unique persona, from the sultry to the outrageous, delivering a whirlwind of sequins, wit, and powerhouse vocals.

The queens, with names like Tipsy, Windy, and Horny, are the heartbeat of the production. Their banter is sharp, their performances electric, and their chemistry undeniable. Each queen is a scene-stealer, whether belting out a pop anthem or delivering a cutting one-liner. But seriously what a line up of talented royalty - we have RuPaul's Drag Race UK Michael Marouli and Tamara Thomas bringing the body, the stage presence and the comedy. This enigmatic pair commanded attention and showed exactly why they were top three material. Adding to the talent was local legend Orphelia Balls, Andi Martine, Janice Dickinyourson, Brenda Labeau and Dixie Swallows. Together they were a force to be reckoned with, delivering drag at its best.

Deborah Taylor-Smith, stepping in as the Wicked Queen, commanded the stage with wicked delight, blending a perfect mix of villainy and humour. Her sharp comedic timing and knockout vocals made her a standout in this performance. Corey Clarke as Puddles the Jester orchestrated some particularly memorable moments , drawing roars of laughter and a few blushes from the crowd. Danny Emmerson-Ducasse as Prince Albert of Fannytickle managed to inject humour into a usual stock panto character. His over inflated ego, self importance and dashing bravado provided additional comic relief and his rich vocals delighted and charmed in equal measure. At this performance the guest performer playing The Magic Mirror was Miss Tess Tickle, with stunning costumes and a deadpan delivery she added an extra something, something to the already fabulous line up.

Last, but not least is the legendary David Potts, hot on the heels of a Celebrity Big Brother victory. He burst onto the stage in all his hot pants glory, whip in hand and an evil glint in his eye. Potts's performance was high energy, with a serving of fabulous, ensuring he stood out amongst big drag personalities.

The humour is unapologetically adult, with innuendos and gags that land perfectly for an audience prepared to let loose and have fun. Yet, beneath the camp and comedy lies a message of acceptance, self-love, and the celebration of individuality, giving the show an emotional depth.

Snow White and the Seven Drag Queens is more than a panto; it's a celebration of drag culture, humour, and the power of embracing one's true self. It’s a must-see for anyone seeking an unforgettable, laughter-filled night out. Fabulously fun and fabulously fierce, this is panto at its most dazzling and daring!