‘Tis the season for mulled cider, yuletide cheer, festival holiday shrubberies of various kinds, and of course, the Panto – a classic story often full of slapstick, genderbending, topical humour, a villain and a wedding. Well, what’s more classic than the iconic Christmas movie Die Hard?And what better way to tell this classical story, Panto Style, than with some extremely fierce immersive drag?
That’s exactly what the Yippee Theatre has done with its inaugural show at the Colab Tower immersive theatre venue. Billed as the world’s first immersive drag panto, this show is full of stellar costumes, raucous performances, hysterical references and superb audience interaction that gets people engaged without making anything awkward or uncomfortable. Directed by Bertie Watkins, the show cleverly reimagines the original film in a way that feels fresh for both fans and for Die Hard novices, rendering the Hollywood action silly yet still exciting – whether with Mortal Kombat-esque fight sequences or hilariously tiny police cars or dildo-guns. The performances are also just as much fun – Calum Robshaw and Jacqui Bareland, both of whom take on a collection of roles, are constant sources of amusement and at times even real empathy. Alex Dowding, taking on McClean (our Bruce Willis-analogue for the evening), gives excellent masc-meets-what-is-heterosexuality realness and brings the audience into the trials and tribulations of rescuing hostages to hilarious effect. And of course, Toby Osmond, playing Handz, our villain (or boss if you’re recruited as a henchperson at the show’s beginning), resplendent in the highest heels and an exquisite sequin blazer, steals the show, giving an unforgettable performance at once refined and vulgar, full of wit and verve.
While the action loses a bit of steam towards the end, this production, camp as heck and just as exciting, will have viewers laughing and tuned in from start to finish. If you’re looking for something that takes a holiday classic and makes it an over-the-top riot, Dead Hard is the show for you.
Playing until 12th January 2025, https://www.colabtheatre.co.uk/whatson
Reviewer: Zak Rosen
Reviewed: 13th December 2024
North West End UK Rating: