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Paradise in the Vault – The Vault
A thrilling queer retelling of historySummary
Rating
Excellent
As a venue, The Vault is a little difficult to find, hidden away in the corner of a side-street. As a setting however, it complements this production perfectly. A cellar beneath Augustine United Church, which sits on George IV Bridge, is the perfect location for a subversive, queer retelling of mainstream monarchical history.
The Fruity Prince is a brazen piece of historical fiction. The “virgin Queen” Liz I has a bastard son, Henry, who she is convinced must be made legitimate and placed in line to the throne in order to secure her legacy and national stability. The only problem is that Henry has fallen in love with another man through his newfound passion for theatre. He quickly falls in with Will Shakespeare’s theatre company and is enthralled by the queer orgies and wild parties that make up their frequent wrap parties.
This rollicking plot is punctuated by dance scenes that are wild, hilarious and sexy. Liz I slut-drops along to hits like Madonna’s “Vogue” that have had their lyrics reworked to address the situation onstage. Toby France’s script is tongue-in-cheek and punchy, effortlessly funny and constantly sexual. More sensitive parts of the play are expertly handled as well, with Henry’s personal crisis between identity, tradition and State creating some touching moments. Ultimately the writing remains cheeky to the very end, and this play has a satisfying and very funny conclusion.
The four-person cast of France, Tandazani Sigauke, John Posnett and Katy Driver are clearly having a great time, and their enthusiasm is infectious. The company is very talented, especially when it comes to dance scenes, which are well-polished and explosive. Driver is particularly impressive, as she juggles the roles of Will Shakespeare and Gertrude, Henry’s secretly lesbian bride-to-be and cousin. Each character feels distinct, and the humour they produce is impressively unique. Posnett gives Jonty, Henry’s lover, an inspiring amount of depth, and brings real vigour to each of his scenes. Sigauke’s costume design is also sumptuous, with each character decked out in fabulous but believable outfits, and Liz I’s dress is a highlight.
The Fruity Prince is a riotous show that does a fantastic job of hinting towards larger questions about the place of the LGBTQ+ community in mainstream history.
Written by: Toby France
Costume Design by: Tandazani Sigauke
Produced by: The Pesky Players
The Fruity Prince plays at Paradise in the Vault as part of EdFringe 2023 until 27 August. Further information and bookings can be found here.
