Director and Choreographer: Joseph Mercier
This year, in their relatively new home, Theatre Deli have worked in partnership with the Glitterbomb Dancers to produce a Christmas production. Whilst their plans did have to change a little earlier in the year, Jingle Belles and Mistle-hoesis sexy and camp, whilst showcasing some real talent at the same time. Compared to other Glitterbomb Dancers shows, this show doesn’t really follow a narrative and instead is more of a cabaret style performance – part dance show, part drag show and part stand up comedy show. The different sections don’t necessarily feel completely cohesive and the show isn’t as festive as the title might suggest – no matter, this is still good fun.
Joseph Mercier has pieced together this show as the Director and Choreographer. He keeps the show moving at a good pace, whilst giving each performer enough time to do their own schtick where appropriate. His choreography is genuinely outstanding and is where this show really shines.
Tessa Parr, in the guise of drag king alter-ego ‘Johnny the Biblical Rapper’ hosts the proceedings. The dry sense of humour gets plenty of laughs, and they also demonstrate their physical comedy skills when participating in some of the dance numbers. Drag queen Alex Maclachlan and Esme Jobey both perform as Cher and are great fun. They bring a healthy dose of campness to the show, command the stage and bounce off each other wonderfully. They are funny and both look fabulous.
Where this show really comes into its own is in its dance numbers which is perhaps unsurprising when it’s being put on by the Glitterbomb Dancers. The combination of songs is fabulous, and audiences will certainly know at least a few of them, if not all of them. The whole dance company perform brilliantly, with highlights coming from Jack Warren and Izy Frost. Warren is an impeccable dancer and is certain to have many wonderful things ahead of him in his career – your reviewer wouldn’t be surprised to see him leading large scale dance productions, like those of Matthew Bourne, in the future. Frost’s charisma and joy is infectious, and she leads routines confidently. Your reviewer couldn’t keep their eyes off her whenever she was on stage.
Everyone comes together at the end for a finale performance of DJ Play A Christmas Song, which is the most Christmassy thing about the show. It’s a great end to a show, leaving the audience humming and tapping their feet as they make their way out into the night.
Jingle Belles and Mistle-hoesis a very different style of show for Theatre Deli to present but it’s a fun evening out – the ideal thing for a work Christmas do, or to kick start a pre-Christmas night out. Get your tickets to see this fabulous company shine!
Runs until 23rd December 2023.
The Reviews Hub Score
Camp, fabulous fun!
