“ShayShay’s writing is undeniably queer and will make any friend of Dorothy proud”
Twenty years after her original trip, Dorothy – now non-binary, going by Doro-they or Dor to their friends (Lily Downes) – has returned to Oz to find an abysmal state of affairs. The Good Witch (Grace Kelly Miller) – Kelly, born in Oz, thus, Kelly Ozborn – is in the running for power but a great blizzard threatens to freeze everyone in a matter of hours. Dor finds themselves teaming up with old friends Scarecrow (Sara Nelson), Tin (Fizz Sinclair) and Lion (Milla Sutton) once again to save their beloved Oz by hunting down the assumed perpetrator The Wicked Witch of the West (Fèyi Wey). Puns and innuendo abound, The Witches of Oz – written and directed by ShayShay – treats its audience to a wickedly talented cast who offer singing, dancing and comedy all in equal strength.
The pop culture references are rife from The Wicked Witch’s name Adele Dazeem (an infamous faux pas by John Travolta as he tried to pronounce Idina Menzel) to Tin and Lion’s romantic duet of Take a Chance on Me as they walked across tables like Julie Walters in Mamma Mia. ShayShay’s writing is undeniably queer and will make any friend of Dorothy proud. The dialogue never misses a beat and any opportunity for a joke is taken. However, The Witches of Oz does not lack a message and behind all the ridiculousness the phrase ‘everything’s on a spectrum’ crops up time and time again whether this in relation to gender identity or morality. Climate change denial is also at the centre of the show as well as a call to listen to experts now rather than when it’s too late. These difficult topics are treated with good humour but still remain poignant.
The costumes (Alex Clow) are simply fantastic, and Tin looks particularly phenomenal in a full silver getup. The outfits and make-up are incredibly playful and creative with distinct personalities for each character. The sound and lighting design (Daffyd Gough and Clancy Flynn respectively) are equally great. The whole team does well to scale up the production from the small room where the room begins to the large room with two layered stages for its latter half. The songs chosen – both as dance tracks and for the cast to perform – are campy and fun and are sure to get the audience on their feet.
For an extra fee, audience members are able to enjoy the show with a three-course dinner that is vaguely themed around the film. Beginning with sweetcorn puree and corn bread to represent the yellow brick road, what follows is a buffet style selection of chicken and various greenery in homage to the Emerald City for main and an apple crumble – green, again – for dessert. You are also treated to an appetizer at entrance – a spicy piece of broccoli which – you guessed it – is green. It is a shame that each course is not in some way related to the Dorothy’s trio of companions or make reference to other iconic moments in the film – a candy cane for the Wicked Witch of the East’s socks perhaps, a tomato dish for Dorothy’s sparkly red shoes, or some sort of melting dessert à la our verdant antagonist’s famous death. Pleasantly, The Good Witch accompanies the dining experience with some cabaret tunes creating a real convivial atmosphere within the hall.
The Witches of Oz is an absolute riot and it would be impossible to leave without a smile on one’s face. The food is slightly disappointing but is generous in portion and kudos to the team for serving so many people with such swiftness. Overall, if you enjoy drag, cabaret and downright silliness, then this is the show for you.
“a barkingly mad show, but it is smart and even touching at times”
What’s the festive period without a riotous new show by drag queen Ginger Johnson? This year, Ginger, accompanied by the show’s co-creator David Cumming and performers Rudy Jeevanjee, Mahatma Khandi and Azara, welcome us to Crappersea Dog Pound for an evening of muzzles off entertainment.
The premise is thus: the audience are all new dogs at the pound hoping to be adopted by a loving family for Christmas. Before their hopefully happy departing, the resident dogs – led by the immensely talented Ginger – have decided to tell us new recruits what possible fates could await us in the human world – from being a social media pup to suffering through degrading obedience training. What follows is a feast for the eyes and ears; a cabaret variety show filled with singing, dancing, comedy, spoken word and rap on the glitzy Pleasance stage.
Of course, as expected, the show is downright filthy. But there is more to the double entendre than might initially meet the eye. Dog Show is a thoroughly queer show and uses its campy premise to effectively explore how the queer community and its kinky subdivisions are viewed by wider society. Notions of embracing freedom and rejecting control and dominance come up again and again and culminate in a finale song that rings like a warrior cry to not obey the man and instead forge your own path. The writing is brilliantly witty, and the aforementioned themes are weaved beautifully throughout the show even at its most absurd moments.
All the performers are phenomenal. Ginger is, as expected, an excellent compere and Cumming’s is exceedingly funny in his various roles. Jeevanjee, Khandi and Azara all bring fantastic energy to the show and contribute excellent solo performances. All five cast members are incredibly polished with not a note, foot or word out of place.
The audience is treated to song after song from the performers with brief pauses for amusing talking head comedy. The show moves along at a great pace; blink and you will miss some hilarious joke or lyric. Stand out songs are certainly Azara’s rap about gender roles and Cumming’s Act Two opener about humping the foot stool. Special mention must also go to Ginger and Cumming’s song about Laika, the Soviet space dog who was the first animal to orbit the Earth. Closing Act Two, this song marked a significant tonal shift as the audience is asked to reflect on the canine’s tragic fate and lack of choice.
The set, designed by Ginger herself, is reminiscent of old Soho and club back alleys. Four slats of ‘brick’ wall create different formations on stage and there is no shortage of props such as a rideable toy jeep to add to the fun. The lighting (Rachel Sampley) contributes beautifully to the seedy atmosphere with flickering neon and flashing strobes. With the cast parading around in ripped clothes, floppy ears and sparkly tails, the visual spectacle of the show is completely engrossing.
Dog Show is a barkingly mad show, but it is smart and even touching at times. If you embrace the weirdness and absurdity of it all, you are in for a real treat.
