Sleeping Beauty
"Pure camp joy from start to finish!"
Back for 2023, Tuckshop are bringing Sleeping Beauty to the Harold Pinter Theatre, it’s an all drag adult panto which is pure camp joy from start to finish.
With a cast comprised of Drag Race UK queens; Kitty Scott-Claus, Victoria Scone, Michael Marouli and Kate Butch as well as some Tuckshop regulars Ophelia Love, Yshee Black, Kemah Bob and LoUis CYfer there is some true drag royalty on stage here and you don’t need to be a Drag Race fan to enjoy this festive offering.
The show is chaos from start to finish, with forgotten lines, missed choreography and lost props all taken in the stride of the Kings and Queens who are clearly used to frantic performances. A highlight of the evening is the ’12 presents from Glamazon’ song in which things go from bad to worse and it’s a laugh a minute.
Writing from Miss Mopp is incredibly well done, the show is jam packed fill of cultural references, filthy jokes and important social messages as well. There is a wonderful twist to the story which offers a more modern ending that feels suitable.
Victoria Scone perfectly emulates the panto villainess as Carabosse, showing off her spectacular signing voice with the act 2 opener of ‘I Put A Spell On You’. Victoria is a well-polished performer and really shines in this role.
Kitty Scott-Claus is wonderful as Princess Beauty, with incredible comedic timing she knows how to play a room and get the laugh.
The stand out performance comes from Kate Butch as Queen Camilla, who plays this role with vigour and delight. She brings some decorum to the show whilst maintaining the madness and interacting with the audience on several hilarious occasions which is a delight.
Direction from Chris Clegg is strong, he has let all the Kings and Queens play to their strengths, each being given time to show their true talents while moving the story forward. With so many large personalities in one room it could become a bit of a ego fight, but everyone is given their time to shine perfectly.
This is not a big budget panto and it often shows with the lack of sets or costume changes, but that’s what you should love about it. It may seem cheap on the surface but the talent on show is high class and you’re left with the biggest smile on your face at the end of the evening. It’s a fabulous show from start to finish and a must see for any drag fan.
This show was reviewed on the 28th December 2023. Sleeping Beauty runs at the Harold Pinter Theatre until the 31st December 2023. Tickets here: Sleeping Beauty Tickets | Harold Pinter Theatre in London West End | ATG Tickets
Review written by Rosie Browne
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