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A silly, funny, whirlwind of a show that sees reigning Drag Race UK queen Ginger Johnson stun and surprise with a series of death-defying stunts and loveable warmth. Summary
Rating
Excellent
Soho Theatre is buzzing as we arrive and it’s clear most of the crowd are here for the same reason we are – to see the reigning Drag Race UK winner Ginger Johnson in her show Ginger Johnson Blows Off! Whether they’re Drag Race fans, Soho theatre regulars or even fellow Drag Race contestants, the love and excitement in the room is palpable as we find our seats.
Ginger Johnson takes to the stage on a comically-small motorised bike, in a brilliant Evel Knievel-style jumpsuit, with a wig practically hitting the ceiling and stage presence to die for. She begins with a song about Drag Race, and the success she had on the hit show. She’s got a great voice and the lyrics are funny with lots of references to the show that brought her fame, and a healthy chunk of ego. But for any audience members who aren’t familiar with Drag Race, there is plenty more to come.
The premise of the show is what’s next for Ginger, now that one dream has been achieved. She thinks back to her childhood dreams, including wanting to be a zebra (those stripes just won’t work with her figure) and a daredevil circus act she’d seen as a child. The act in question was fired out of a canon. Which seems perfectly reasonable on the relatively small main stage of Soho Theatre.
What follows are increasingly foolhardy and ridiculous stunts. Think Coke, Mentos and a mini trampoline, leading to literally explosive farts. All carefully watched, with fire extinguisher in hand, by her onstage health and safety assistant, Jen. Jen is a constant presence in the show and their deadpan face and dowdy black jumpsuit creates a clever antithesis to the energy and colour emanating from Ginger. The levels of jeopardy increase throughout the show, leading to a big final stunt with a hilarious bit of trickery which is genuinely surprising.
Some of the best moments come from Ginger’s interaction with the audience. Whether it’s recruiting the bravest person in the room for a confetti gun stunt (thank goodness it wasn’t me), or clambering over people to watch the test of her big finale from the back of the auditorium, she’s not afraid to get stuck into her adoring fans and we love it. This is where you really feel like you’re getting to know the real Ginger. And perhaps the moments that you wish you were watching her without the stunts.
Unfortunately there were a few technical issues, with a delayed start, which many of us thought was part of the show and some microphone issues towards the end of the evening. Yet despite that, Ginger’s professionalism shines throughout. She’s irresistible and loveable, and her final monologue is just the right side of cheesy. It’s not hard to see why she won Ru Paul’s coveted crown, and after tonight’s wonderfully silly show, long may she reign.
Performed/Written/Directed by: Ginger Johnson
Original Songs by: Bourgeois & Maurice with Ginger Johnson
Additional Material by Bourgeois & Maurice
Ginger Johnson Blows Off! is at Soho Theatre until 12th October, and on a UK tour until 22 November. Further information and booking details can be found here.
