Dragging Your Heels, part of Camden Fringe, is a charming little play about a recently divorced builder, Ben, who dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian. By the end of the show, he manages to face his stage fright by embracing a whole new persona by stepping into drag as a way to perform with confidence.
The central message is thoughtful: drag can be many things: a character, a persona, an art form, even a political statement. Here, it becomes a means for someone to follow their dreams and step onto a stage. It’s a touching idea, and the play pays tribute to the transformative power of drag in a warm and accessible way.
The production itself is minimal, with a cast of three who keep the story moving through jokes and small musical numbers. There were moments of genuine laughter, especially during Tammy Scowls’ entrances that were brought to life with sharp, playful humour by the fabulous Dolly Diamond. She delivered a true slice of drag comedy, heckling the audience, tossing out shady one-liners, and drawing everyone in with her quick wit. These scenes were easily the highlight of the evening.
However, outside of these stand-out moments, the production felt uneven. Some jokes fell flat, and Ben’s journey into drag culminated in a persona that looked more like a traffic cone than the fierce queen we were rooting for. The supporting characters also lacked the same spark, which left parts of the show feeling a little underpowered.
With a few tighter punchlines and a stronger finish to Ben’s comedy routine, this could be a hilarious and uplifting show. For now, it’s a sweet idea with flashes of brilliance that just needs more sass, sharper writing, and a bit more polish to fully land.
Dragging your Heels runs until 23rd August at Camden People Theatre with tickets available at The Camden Fringe. Performing Arts Festival, Jul-Aug
Reviewer: Zain Russell
Reviewed: 19th August 2025
North West End UK Rating:
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