CabaretFeaturedLondonReview

Acid’s Reign – VAULT Festival, London

Reviewer: Sonny Waheed

Writer: James McDermott

Director: Luke Howarth

Not for the first time in this year’s VAULT festival does the topic of the planet and its future serve as the creative stimulus. Such is the impact of the environment on current creativity this isn’t even the only drag show covering the topic.

In Acid’s Reign we are planted in a traditional drag club owned and hosted by Mother Nature (Son of a Tutu). Planning an evening of classic drag performances, her wayward daughter Alex Acid (Joshua Oakes-Rogers) unceremoniously notifies her that she’s bought the club and intends to knock it down to build something bigger and more modern.

In a last ditch attempt to save her club, Mother Nature calls upon her other children to help convince Alex of errors of her plans. And so, much like Ebenezer Scrooge, we’re given three tales of the environmental impact on the world today by constant development. Rather than a Past, Present and Future, we’re given a look at the world from the perspective of Sea, Land and Air.

Their tales of woe and troubled times are, naturally, given a fabulous drag treatment. So Sea (Scarlett Harlett), Land (Jamie Fuxx) and Air (Mischa Velasco), use reworkings of West End and pop songs to highlight the planet’s plight.

The eco-warrior narrative is, at best, basic and a little on the nose. There’s no subtlety or refinement in giving the ‘we’re doomed if we don’t change’ message. But that’s not the point here. This is a drag show first and foremost and as such it delivers it with bells on. The performers are great, with Son of a Tutu and Jamie Fuxx in particular shining in the singing department.

It’s a funny show and delivered with all the gusto you’d expect and want. The reworked songs, to help share the eco message, work very well even if you can’t always make out the new lyrics. This is a very fun and funny show with an important message. The only little gripe is that the 6.45pm start time feels a little early for this kind of show. Put it on around 9pm. Give the audience some time to get a few drinks inside them and this will be a more exuberant experience.

Runs until 19 March 2023

The Reviews Hub Score

Educational camp frivolities.

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The Reviews Hub - London

The Reviews Hub London is under the acting editorship of Richard Maguire. The Reviews Hub was set up in 2007. Our mission is to provide the most in-depth, nationwide arts coverage online.

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