It’s very rare that you get to see a show that you saw the very early version of and get to review a second time. Long ago, the days of Vault Festival allowed me to see the first iteration of Acid’s Reign and it’s fantastic to see how it has come along.
Acid’s Reign sees Drag Queen’s take on the climate crisis. In a chance meeting, Alex Acid and Ria Listic become firm friends, joining their artistry to fight against the climate through cabaret. In the need to get the message across, social media and commercialism comes knocking and the chance of fame over saving the world becomes a difficult choice. What also comes into question is friendship and comradery in the queer community.
I’ll try not to compare the first version of this show to the current. But it would also be remiss of me not to make some short comments. Firstly, the story has completely changed. The infant version of this show focused on Drag Queens as different elements and the impact on them, speaking from those points of view. As this was also their first attempt, the production value was smaller due to this and possibly funding and now the production looks almost west end ready. One wouldn’t be critical of this because both versions in their own merit have something. It’s therefore unfair to compare them but only to say, it’s wonderful to see in some what the trajectory of a show from its early days and the grind and development of it. Two of our performers are from the beginning – Scarlett Harlett and Jamie Fuxx return in this production and it’s wonderful to see them again.
As mentioned, the production value has increased. The stage is well set and its use of it, props and use of these for scene changes, such as rolling stools, helps with the easy and seamless change. Accompanying the aesthetic and wonderful and quintessential Drag outfits – camp, fun and unusual. One that sticks out is one outfit, worn by Victoria Scone, of plastic tape. It’s all in keeping with what we know of Drag and is as fabulous as we expect.
Like any musical, the original songs and the slightly campy acting in between work so well and have that essence of musical theatre. Victoria Scone has such an expressive face that she elicits laughter and slight hammed up acting which fits perfectly for the puns, the character and the production. The songs are catchy, fun and hummable. They are easily ones that could become cult classics and likely to be seen lip synced in plenty of queer bars and shows.
All the performers are well skilled and very professional in this musical theatre piece. They embody their characters with real ease and we get the feeling of true friendship, of jeopardy and when the friendship breaks down, it feels very real. Like any good musical, we are invested but are brought out slightly and rightly due to the unnatural use of a song during the scene to make this theatrical.
Acid’s Reign (2.0) is a fantastic new musical that could easily become a cult classic amongst the theatrical community. With a political message, brilliant performers and a real celebration of queer culture, Acid’s Reign could become a new musical obsession.
Relish Theatre – Pleasance Theatre