Director: Joseph Winer
Writer: Grace Carroll
Drag Baby plays at Pleasance this week, following on from an acclaimed sell-out run at Kings Head Theatre last year. Combining drag extravagance with a grounded tale of connection, this is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
The action centres around Dan, a drag queen with a dream: to make it big on ITV3’s upcoming competition show. Nothing can get in the way of this goal… except his ex-girlfriend unexpectedly reappearing in his life with a big request. As his life is turned upside down, Dan is forced to question what it is he really wants – and what it will take to get it.
A real strength of Grace Carroll’s writing is how she captures the emotional messiness of real-life relationships in a genuine and unfiltered way. Director Joseph Winer has done great work with leads Stephen Cheriton (Dan) and Nicole Evans (Sally) to harness this raw energy, resulting in some really moving confrontations. While there is clearly a lot of love between the old friends, the atmosphere of unresolved history and hurt is palpable.
Carroll’s script, well-paced as it is, perhaps has too many moving parts, with some of the larger conversation topics requiring more nuanced attention to properly hit home. There is also some confusion as to why the highly engaging supporting roles of Nathan and Sandra are so hung up on the central duo. If anything, Dan and Sally can come across as rather selfish and unlikable as they indulge in re-exploring their long-lost connection.
Amelia Parrillon (Sandra), in particular, makes a big impact with the least amount of stage time. She evokes consistent laughter from the audience in her neurotic role, but also impresses with a heart-wrenching moment of vulnerability. Ché (Nathan) is also electric and presents a lot of stereotypical and confident drag energy in a way that feels truthful, rather than gratuitous or forced. Their performance routines are some of the highlights of the show and their stage presence is undeniable.
Drag Baby offers a camp evening of fun drama, with a lot of heart beneath the surface. Whatever your connection to drag, this entertaining production is bound to put a smile on your face.
Runs until 22 June 2024
