A spectacular mess and a brilliantly ridiculous pantomime. These expressions seem like the most accurate way to describe Dick Whittington, the new all drag West End pantomime, performed at the Phoenix Theatre and produced by TuckShop, the UK’s only specialist company, devoted to all things drag.
Written by Gareth Joyner, and directed by TuckShop founder and creative director, Chris Clegg, it is a perfect celebration of drag, comedy, and queer culture. Among many excellent drag performers, Dick Whittington stars RuPaul’s Drag Race UK favourites such as Cheryl Hole, Kitty Scott Claus, and Choriza May.
Joyner’s writing reimagines the classic tale and places it right at the heart of Soho, adding meta-references and exclusive, sometimes quite obscene, but extremely funny jokes, which make the audience at the Phoenix Theatre scream with laughter practically all the time. Even if at rare occasions it may feel a bit too long and repetitive, the cast saves it with yet another card up their sleeve, whether it is an unexpected use of sex toy as a prop, a sexual pun, RuPaul’s Drag Race reference, an awkward dance number or Celine Dion song.
Sometimes Dick Whittington gets quite messy when the queens forget their lines or act out of their characters. Surprisingly enough, though, this is what makes the show even funnier because they save it with their humour, charisma, and big personalities. Indeed, the cast is the strongest asset of this show, with Elektra Fence as the Cat and Ophelia Love shining as the most hilarious of the line-up.
It’s worth noting though that this drag pantomime features not only queens but also, kings. In fact, the show throws some shade on the dissemblance of drag kings by mass media. Yet, Beau Jangles as The Mayor of Soho and Richard Energy as Daddy prove the importance of drag kings to the artform. Particularly Beau Jangles, who is not only a charming performer but also, an absolutely wonderful singer, makes the show even more special and enchanting. Justice for drag kings.
Although it is not flawless, Dick Whittington is a perfectly funny and entertaining performance, definitely worth seeing. Have yourself a merry drag Christmas.
