Hilarious, energetic and satirical comedy all rolled up in one. The Bareback Kings together since 2017 made up of Lynsey Bonnell, Rebecca Schuster, Juliet Morrish and Francesca Reid. Masters of their game from on point contour makeup to editing and ‘mansplaining’ they guarantee an evening of guffaws and chortles. The drag-king comedy group effortlessly saunters through improvisation, cabaret and sketch.
The show begins with the Drag kings breaking out into a synchronized choreography with lip syncing to match that would make Nsync blush. The beats of the show explore themes of connection between audience members. Through the show there is a strong critique of the social assumptions, reinforcement of consent, and topical discussions about the threat of Barbie on the modern man. The structure of the show allows for the four personalities, Brent, Dirk, Gary and Tyson and Sebastin to come to their own, switching from very feminine characters to gruffy male patriarchs. The world building where if this is true what else is true, has the audience hooked onto every offer the team is making to one another. The crisp editing and transmutation the kings go from one character to another is truly charming.
The drag kings start off their long scenes from a fireside chat of their personal lives based on a suggestion of the audience. The wit and crackling humour allow for no dull moments. With the specific cultural references in the first half, I resonated with the Canadian character who didn’t know about any of the dancing queen contestants but could cheer loudly for Shania twain. The effortless quips and puns played by the kings have one in splits. The audience engagement is sure footed, confident and sassy.
Lynsey one of the uber talented personas from the team is also performing her solo at the Etcetera Theatre on the 22nd of August 2023 which is a joyful walk down memory lane. It is truly inspiring to see women who are software professionals, TV producers, facilitators and Creative directors by the day pursue and thrive creating art that is defying norms. The joy of the Camden Fringe is to have all of this under many roofs around the city. Hold onto your thrones folks, these Kens/ Allans are here to slay and stay!
Link to Lynsey’s show – https://www.thehopetheatre.com/productions/the-bareback-kings/
Reviewer: Anisha Pucadyil
Reviewed: 10th August 2023
North West End UK Rating: