In a sequin-studded change in his career path, Joe Leather whimsically recounts how he traded hi-vis for high heels in this endearing one-hour play.
Despite dabbling in drag in former times, regrettable events have led him to boxing up his dreams. However, a new opportunity tempts our refuse-collecting queen to rediscover their passion for performing. Leather embraces his ‘imaginary’ audience and entertains us with engrossing words, song and dance while jumping between a past and present narrative.
His stage presence is cheeky and charming, and he capably juggles additional minor roles with expressive mannerisms and accents.
While there are plenty of funnies laced throughout the script, a quantity over quality situation in terms of humour is sometimes apparent: where too many gags are crammed into one piece of dialogue, weaker ones come and go without a pay-off while others are missed completely.
Encouraging take-home messages about gender fluidity and euphoria as well as a little nod to kink-positivity make Wasteman a wholesome work of art.
A treasure in the trash!
Wasteman continues at The King’s Arms, Salford until 6th July with tickets available from https://manchester.ssboxoffice.com/events/wasteman/
Reviewer: Scot Cunningham
Reviewed: 5th July 2023
North West End UK Rating:
This is a very well-known story from the 1939 film starring Judy Garland taking the…
In a place where time seems to have lost meaning, where memory plays games with…
Never was a standing ovation so well deserved as that given to the cast of…
A ghostly entertaining, slick mind game of a production! With a sense of apprehension -…
The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse continues its impressive season with a feel good production of The…
This new musical version by Lindy Robbins, Dave Bassett and Steve Robson is the latest…