The RVT’s festive panto is of course a twisted, queer delight, with a tightly written script so packed with jokes that multiple visits are advised. Many of the best gags come right from the headlines, meaning that it will evolve through its run. And director Tim McArthur has found a cast that’s up for anything, mercilessly milking every laugh from the material with gay innuendo, silly slapstick, improvisation and audience interaction.
The story follows Cinderella (Grant Cartwright), prepared for the Prince’s big ball by his Fairy Godmother (riotous scene-stealer Faye Reeves), while his wicked stepmum Lady Garden and stepsister Pleasure (Robert McNeilly and Jim Lavender) try to get their man. But the fetishistic Prince (Rich Watkins) is far more interested in Cinderella’s lost glass slipper than whoever was wearing it.
Everything is flat-out hilarious, including hysterical versions of pop songs from Juice and Señorita to You Need to Calm Down, by way of a showstopping rendition of Shallow that’s impossible to forget. No, you do not want to miss this one. Just be prepared for trashy innuendo, lots of poo jokes and buckets of glitter.
Photos by chrisjepson.com
*****
Slipped: Cinderella … Rebooted! is at The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, 372 Kennington Lane, London SE11 5HY until 8 January. Tickets from vauxhalltavern.com
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