The stars of Drag Race have made a pit stop at Liverpool’s Playhouse, as TuckShop bring their second Death Drop show, Back in the Habit, on tour following a smash hit West End run.
Billed as a hilarious thriller, the emphasis is very much on hilarious in this 2 hour romp. Whilst there is undeniably a plot for the show, involving a serial killer on the loose in a convent, it’s best not to get too bogged down trying to follow it, because the object of Rob Evans’ wayward narrative is very much to set up a series of set pieces, opportunities for double-entendre and riotous nonsense.
LoUis CYfer is Father Alfie Romeo, pitted against Alex Roberts’ Mother Superior and the trio of nuns Sister Mary Titis, Sister Maria Julieandrews and Sister Mary Berry, played by Kitty Scott-Claus, Jujubee and Ophelia Love. What is particularly impressive, especially in view of three understudies onstage, is the exceptionally tight ensemble work. There is a great deal of the show that depends on visual and physical comedy, all of which is carried off with pinpoint precision. Also, as one might expect with consummate drag artists used to working with sharp comic dialogue, the timing of the vocal delivery is first rate.
The show looks and sounds great too. Peter McKintosh’s gothic set is atmospherically lit by Rory Beaton, whilst immersive sound design from Beth Duke helps to ramp up the tension. Fasten your safety belts, because there are some moments that come pretty close to Woman in Black territory for scaring you half to death.
Back in the Habit puts a sharply witty script in the hands of a talented cast and with high production values delivers a genuinely riotous evening of irreverent, wacky entertainment. The tour continues until 18th March, visiting Nottingham, Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham.
 |
| LoUis CYfer and Jujubee - Photo © Danny Kaan |
Star rating – 4½ stars
This review was originally written for publication by Good News Liverpool
Comments
Post a Comment