This wonderful production fizzes like a glass of cola; a musical that is a true interactive experience. As the audience took their seats cast members applied disco glitter to the faces of a crowd that knew that they were in for a treat.
Directed by Rebecca Humphries, who also plays various roles, along with Sam Swann, Lucy Pearman and Sean Rigby, Prom Kween tells the story of Matthew, a boy that won the coveted US title, and how a community and the strength of social media backed him.
This is an ensemble piece, however as the driving force is the narrator a special mention has to be made Suli Rumi, who plays RuPaul to great effect and with affection. The comedy is well written with a highlight being the scene where the cast takes on famous figures including Harvey Milk, Cher and Ellen DeGeneres and performs a wonderful pastiche of The Shoop Shoop Song.
References to some of the more absurd qualities of American popular culture – the stupidity of the gun laws, for example – are woven into a script with great poignancy.
This musical shows huge promise and as a work in progress I sincerely hope it is developed and the people behind Prom Kween realise their full potential.
****
Prom Kween was part of the Vault Festival at the Vaults, Leake Street, Waterloo, London, SE1 7NN. The Vault Festival runs until 5 March. vaultfestival.com
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