Writers: Kate Butch and Crudi Dench, with additional material by Eleanor Mason<\/b><\/p>\n
Director: Christopher D. Clegg<\/b>
Drag production company Tuck Shop has, for years, worked with some of the best drag talent in the UK. The roster of performers they can call upon includes alumni of RuPaul\u2019s Drag Race UK, younger talent who may yet feature in future seasons, more established acts who have no truck with the franchise\u2019s more limited take on drag, and Ophelia Love. Now in its fifth year, Tuck Shop\u2019s panto continues the long-running gag of charitably giving Love the role of Villager No. 4 as a consolation for never getting on the BBC show.<\/p>\n
At the Emerald Theatre for the first time, this drag panto chooses not to use any traditional sets as they have done in previous years, opting instead to use the faux Celtic decor that felt more in tune with the venue\u2019s previous resident, Emerald Storm. The result is a show that, while still written with the wit and charm of traditional panto, feels more in tune with a late-night cabaret feel. That\u2019s just perfect for the roster of drag talent that has come on board for this year\u2019s outing.<\/p>\n
2024 Drag Race UK winner Kyran Thrax is brilliant in the role of Wicked Queen, bringing her trademark biting wit to the fore. She goes toe to toe with Kitty Scott Claus\u2019s magical Fairy Hanny, one of the queens who feels most at home on the Emerald stage. The other is Kate Butch as the gender questioning \u201cHuntsthem\u201d. Butch\u2019s familiarity with the structures and demands of traditional panto is evident, both in the ease with which she commands the stage and with her cowriting of a panto script that is stronger than many other shows this season.<\/p>\n
Beside them, Tayris Mongardi\u2019s Snow White feels underpowered, as does the show\u2019s drag king, Oliver Clothezoff, as a randy Prince. The latter does find a better level as the show progresses, and much fun is made of his Great British Bake Off experience (as his offstage alter ego,\u00a0Jessika, he was a contestant in the most recent series).<\/p>\n
The story progresses at a fun pace, with the perennially fun Yshee Black as the magic mirror always enlivening every scene. The show keeps its secret weapon until Act II, however, with Tiana Biscuit as the Seven Divas (\u201cI ate the other six in the womb\u201d), taking Snow White under her wing while belting out some of the show\u2019s best musical numbers.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s all supremely silly, mercilessly mirthful fun. And while some of the vocal performances may miss the mark \u2013 some queens on stage specialise in lip-syncing for a reason \u2013 it all adds up to a great night out. The cabaret-panto hybrid model really works for Tuck Shop and its roster of drag performers, and also feels like an excellent show for the Emerald Theatre\u2019s luscious late-night vibe.<\/p>\n
Runs until 4 January 2026<\/b>
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