Death Drop is a dragtastic British bonanza which is sure to make you laugh out loud from curtains up to curtains down.
The show takes place on a strange tidal island where a mysterious Lady von Fistenburg (Vinegar Strokes) throws a dinner party in celebration of the ten year wedding anniversary of Princess Diana and Charles. In doing so she invites 5 total strangers to join the festivities with her: Shazza (Willam), Summer Raines (Ra’Jah O’Hara), Morgan Pierce (Karen From Finance), Rich Whiteman (Richard Energy) and Phil Maker (Georgia Frost), joined by their motley catering crew (Holly Stars). When a storm attacks all are trapped within the house and as one predicts with a murder mystery it doesn’t take long before someone ends up dead under suspicious circumstances. To tell you more would be to reveal too much however one should expect many a twist and turn.
The production itself has been written by cast member Holly Stars and her passion for the show really does shine through in her performance as not one, not two but all three Bottomley sisters. Her comedic timing is exceptional, as is the writing of this camp musical performance. The scripting is very British with many of the running jokes being references to English events, foods and stores. Anyone from afar may struggle with a good majority of the humour however if you get the jokes they are golden. One may think such a factor may hinder the performance with two of the queens being American and another Australian, however this does not appear to be a problem at all, it’s safe to say all performers “understood the assignment”. Willam himself is particularly strong on the comedy front and definitely one to look out for.
As one may imagine the show is far from perfectly polished, the acting isn’t Oscar worthy and the special effects have a panto-esk quality about them, but all of that really does add a sense of charm and character. Random musical numbers show each of the actors impressive vocal ranges whilst also being self-aware in their high level of cheese.
The scenery stays the same throughout, an entrance hall with a chair, dining table and many a loud colour. Costumes are equally as loud and in drag fashion very sparkly.
This is a must see for Drag Race fans with it’s star studded drag cast but is not one to take the kids to see. Sexually explicit humour is used throughout and whilst silly slapstick comedy is used, a good chunk of the humour stems from rather political stand points which younger audiences may not understand.
It’s very hard to describe such a show without giving too much away but if you’re a fan of camp humour, drag queens and kings, cheesy murder mysteries and laughing yourself silly then get yourself down to the theatre. Perfection it may not be but it’s very good for what it is and most certainly will not disappoint.
Playing until 20th November https://www.capitaltheatres.com/whats-on/death-drop
Reviewer: Beth Eltringham
Reviewed: 17th November 2021
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★