Here at Damaged we've never really been into specifically gay focussed plays, gay books or that kind of stuff: always the same shit. Now a gay club, that's different: same shit but… interactive. Anyways, you can imagine our quelle horror when we were told we were taking two guests to the theatre to see the antithesis of gay theatre, La Cage aux Folle… at some theatre nobody's ever heard of as soon we could leave the house after New Year - we'd scheduled March but nope, it had to be this week:(
We were actually glad that if we had to entertain we could do it by going and sitting in a dark room quietly without the need to get our cock out. We must admit that when the spectacle of the opening launched we were reminded of our last outing that was to a place infested with foot fetishists. We'd been out A LOT and frankly were pleased to be set up on – you can look all freaky and horny without moving, no worry of performance anxiety or your dicky tummy leaking out some shame. We just sat back looking aghast at the spectacle and trying to figure out what the hell it's all about. So anyway, seats always good tho you'd be forgiven for thinking I'm old enough to recall the days at the Globe when…
Right, the play. For those "straight-acting" John Wayne impersonators out on the scene, for whom camp is the epitome of everything that's wrong with gay men today, this is a travesty of a show that ticks every disgusting clichéd box of what it is or was to be gay in the olden days… right down to the tragic "I am what I am" bit by some drag queen complete with flamingo wings, wigs and enough make-up to keep Dolly Parton looking cheap for at LEAST two hours.
If you aint one of those who try hard to appropriate the Abercrombie and Bitch look of the Modern Masculine Gay and reckon you've perfected the John Wayne walk (trust me: you look like you've been dry punch fisted) it's basically a theatrical interpretation of a superb 70s film that had a failed remake called the Birdcage – go get the original, it's hilarious. Whatever, this version makes for brilliant comedy. If you're looking for the subtleties of something like the recent Some Trace of Her at the National, this is like acid in your face.
If you don't know what it's about we won't ruin it for you. Suffice to say it's a superbly written comedy told in French farce style (think Frasier's best episodes if you don't understand the concept) it works up to a superb all singing all dragging finale that'll leave you shell-shocked or swooning depending on your disposition. Frankly we suggest you go see it if you fancy a laugh "in these difficult times" as it's funny. Just check for the fire exits as it all looks extremely flammable - like my liver right now actually;)
Venue: It's on at The Playhouse theatre in Northumberland Avenue which is far from the horrors of "Theatreland" – a land where no matter how much talent you have in a production, you've still gotta have somebody off the telly starring?! We'll come back to that later. Anyways, it's small and lends itself perfectly for this production which is set in the orgy of 70s camp kitsch that is St Tropez's premier cabaret club, La Cage Aux Folle.
Word of a warning: They've set up a few tables at the front of the stage to create that cabaret bar feel. You'll get a great view up some skirts but a real crick in the neck. Rows four to six should leave you without neck ache and a great view and not just of tucked away dangly bits.
Audience/ staff: Mainly very posh older folks often with very young and cute sons and daughter. Throw in thousand gay men (some of whom have taken the St Tropez theme a bit literally) and you're there.
Cost: In monetary terms our readers will understand it's sadly more than a gram of Charlie (£55 min.) but well worth it nether less… Heck, face it - you'll talk less shit and go to sleep humming a camp happy song and not with tinnitus urging you to buy more or kill yourself.
Bottom line: At one point we wondered if all the dancing was to convey the monotony for the dancers on such productions. It was a bit wearing for this reader but it soon got going and the second half flew by. It's well written, well choreographed and the cast are brilliant. Sadly, despite being outside Theatreland they've only gone got a guy off the telly to star in it now - Sir Graham Norton. (Sir? Sorry, getting ahead of myself there, but I did dream of him getting a New Year's honour but being unable to attend due to his being golden handcuffed to Sir Terry Wogan's Eurovision chair.) I digress. It's just fine as it is (sold out) but there you go. We urge you to go whether he's in it or not – tho we're sure that with his comic timing and famous, er voice, he'll make the part his own and excel at it.
Comments