Death Drop: Back in the Habit – Liverpool Playhouse

Writer: Rob Evans

Director: Jesse Jones

In 2020 Tuckshoparrived on the West End with their production Death Drop. The show garnered huge commercial and critical success. Well, they’re back with a brand new show, Death Drop: Back in the Habit. After a West End run the production is currently on a tour of the UK and Ireland where this week sees it arrive at Liverpool’s Playhouse Theatre.

The great and the good of drag, turn out for this horror-comedy romp, which features numerous alumni from Ru Paul’s Drag Race which include Jujubee and Kitty Scott Claus.

The focal point of the show is Father Alfie Romeo, a scheming priest sent to investigate the strange events and mysterious disappearance of a fellow priest at the long-forgotten St Babs’ convent. However, the duplicitous cleric has also been tasked with finding a very sacred, and extremely valuable holy relic. Standing in Romeo’s way are the nuns of St Babs’, led by the Mother Superior, who themselves are far from holier-than-thou.

Those expecting a coherent narrative, should leave their expectations at the front door, this is a showcase for some of the world’s top drag artists to strut their stuff. The production bounces from one set piece to another, sprinkled with a few song and dance numbers, as well as a healthy dollop of unfiltered, near-the-knuckle gags you come to expect from drag shows.

Rob’s Evan’s script is packed full of innuendo, visual gags and some in-your-face physical comedy. The production pays homage to classic films such as, The Exorcist, Ken Russell’s The Devils, and The Sound of Music, whilst ensuring no copyright laws are broken, (a recurring joke throughout). There is even an opportunity for some local references and some topical jokes that will do nothing for Liz Truss’s credibility.

LoUis CYfer as Father Romeo is in fine form in the lead, they have a fantastic, engaging stage presence right from the get-go. Fiendishly OTT, with a few apologetic asides to the audience when the action slightly oversteps the mark, it’s a performance to enjoy. Equally impressive is Alex Roberts, (deputising for the absent Victoria Scone), as the Mother Superior, a formidable adversary, for the priest. It’s a great comedic turn from Roberts, with more than a hint of menace.

They are supported by fun performances from Jujubee, Kitty Scott Claus, and Ophelia Love (deputising for the absent Cheryl Hole) who all bring something a little different to proceedings. Kitty Scott Claus, is bold and sassy throughout, with the lion’s share of the more risqué one-liners. Whilst Jujubee, is charming and sweet as the under-sexed, frustrated, Sister Maria Julie Andrews. Finally Ophelia Love, as Sister Mary Berry, is suitably bonkers, displaying a gift for physical comedy.

Death Drop: Back in the Habit owes a great debt to the Scary Movie franchise of the early noughties, and the criminally underrated Leslie Nielsen, film Repossessed. Rude, crude, but most important of all, hilarious throughout, this is everything we’ve come to expect from drag shows. Those who are easily offended should stay well clear, however those up for a bloody good laugh and a hugely entertaining night out are in for a treat!

Runs until 11 February and then continues its UK tour.