If you want to experience drag cabaret Bollywood style woven into a well-crafted narrative about freedom, community and possibility, The Gentlemen’s Club is the place to be! Co-presented by the National Centre of Performing Arts and Soho Theatre, London’s finest cabaret-meets-theatre venue, The Gentlemen’s Club is not only Patchwork Ensemble’s debut in the UK but also India’s first Drag King show.
The Gentlemen’s Club opens with a nostalgic act by Rocky aka Shamsher (Puja Sarup) playing a tribute to the legendary Shammi Kapoor and the golden era of Hindi cinema- performed to absolute perfection. As a senior among an ensemble of drag artists (Sheena Khalid, Ratnabali Bhattacharjee, Srishti Dixit and Amey Mehta) performing at the club, Rocky is both warmly welcoming and a lightly patronising- a lovely blend depicting, if I may say, most Indian uncles. And that’s what this show does the best! A group of female artists offering their bold, honest yet playful exploration of masculinity in India through eclectic drag acts, inspired by artists- both local and international- truly speaking to the global audience in the theatre. Interspersed with these fantastic acts is the story of the club- connecting past, present and future- showing the evolution of the club and its people, their dualities (their conditioning keeping them reigned in with the desire to be free through drag)- underscoring the social and political situation of drag culture in India.
While the narrative articulately sets the context of drag in India, the highlight of the show is the acts themselves- performed brilliantly by the ensemble with impeccable movement choreographed by Amey Mehta and pitch-perfect singing garnering strong audience participation and laughter. The technical design of the play is neat, dynamic and vibrant. While the extended set with a dreamy picture frame of Shammi Kapoor, lively audio-visual presentations, and drag-friendly props, certainly added to the flavour and mood, I wonder if it could have been explored further, adding more dynamics to the action of the play.
What truly elevated the show was the ensemble’s vivacious energy and joy in presenting their work! Hilarious, infectious, and joyous! This certainly is a show “worth” watching!
Running until 12th October 2024 at the Soho Theatre. https://sohotheatre.com/events/the-gentlemens-club/
Reviewer: Khushboo Shah
Reviewed: 4th October 2024
North West End UK Rating: