Following a very successful run at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival, ‘Queenz: The Show With Balls’ has strutted into London at the Clapham Grand before heading out on a UK Tour. Advertised as a trailblazing, life affirming drag extravaganza, the production features a cast of five phenomenally gifted, and sequin-clad divas who make up the ultimate ‘drag queen super girl group’. The five are fierce, and they clearly mean business, performing a jam-packed list of hits and the full spectrum of pop classics from across the decades, including The Spice Girls, Lady Gaga, Little Mix, Marilyn Monroe, Beyonce, and Shakira, as well as their own original remixes of show tunes and diva anthems arranged by Alex Turney (Musical Supervisor & Arrangements).
The show offers up drag on a big scale. This is live entertainment, rather than the usual lip-synch that is normally associated with drag shows, and goodness can these performers sing. With the exception of one, the cast are all professionally trained signers/dancers, and it shows. The five are a force to be reckoned with, and from the moment they arrive on stage they have the audience eating out of the palm of their hands with their world class vocals, sassy dance moves and cutting humour travelling well throughout every number, dance break and hilarious audience interaction. Each of the Queenz get their moment in the spotlight, with solo numbers as well as well choreographed and perfectly synched group performances. The five are well matched in terms of talent but stand out performances have to be acknowledged for powerhouse, Billie Eyelash (Luke Hall) and inspired, Dior Monte (Jaymi Hensley) whose vocals and range are simply stunning.
Aesthetically, the show is also very pleasing, and the team of creatives have gone all out to produce a highly pleasing feast for the eyes. Rikki Finlay (Costume Designer) has created a series of gorgeous costumes for the Queenz, with feathers, sequins, and glitz, showcasing the best of drag couture. Complimenting the costumes is Adam Murdoch’s lighting, which is as flashy as you would expect at the concert of any A-List mega-popstar.
‘Queenz: The Show With Balls’ is truly the hot ticket, it is sassy and truly ballsy, delivering exactly what it intends, a loud and proud, drag, musical theatre, party atmosphere to get the audience up on their feet and dancing, but also is very careful to convey a heartfelt message of love, queer allyship and solidarity. A fun night is guaranteed with this one – HIGHLY recommended!!
‘Queenz: The Show With Balls’ is touring UK venues up until December 2022. Tickets are available here: https://www.queenztheshow.com
Reviewer: Alan Stuart Malin
Reviewed: 16th September 2022
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★