A riot of rhinestones, pop anthems and camp chaos that dazzles and overwhelms in equal measureRating
Good
The evening got off to a bad start for me when an over-officious security guard insisted I hand over my hydration drink, even after I explained I needed it for low blood sugar. Apparently I could buy something at the bar instead. So I queued for a bottle of J2O at £5.50, only to discover that £2 of it was a deposit for a Ladyboys-branded plastic cup. After another queue to reclaim my money, I did at least leave with some pound coins for the supermarket trolley.
The show took place in the Sabai Pavilion, a vast pink tent on Shepherd’s Bush Green with cabaret-style seating, although eight people crammed round each tiny table. Despite the cooler weather outside, inside it was hot, stuffy and thick with the smell of chips. Thai food was available, but most people seemed to have opted for the chips! I felt as if I wandered into a steamy Bangkok chippy!
Nearly fifteen minutes after the advertised start, the twelve-strong cast finally strutted on. They comprised eight young ladyboys, three boy boys and an older ladyboy who popped up in various guises, including as a magician. Her trick involved tying an ‘audience member’ into a sack, who then raced off the stage to appear elsewhere throughout the evening – a running bag rather than a running gag.
The first half was an unrelenting barrage of lip-synched numbers including ‘Beat It’, ‘One Night Only’ and the Beastie Boys, all blasted out to a relentless disco beat. Audience participation came courtesy of the older ladyboy dispensing lap dances. One unsuspecting-looking man seemed remarkably unmoved until he wandered off with a white cane and dark glasses, revealing himself to be a plant – a tasteless and somewhat unnecessary gag.
After just thirty minutes it was interval time, giving everyone the chance to buy more overpriced drinks (£28 for a bottle of wine, although that did include either two complimentary Ladyboys plastic glasses or your deposit back). You could also have your photograph taken on-stage with the cast for just £4.
The second half offered much of the same, although it briefly slowed for the three boys to strip to ‘You Can Leave Your Hat On’ in full-on Magic Mike mode. There were oversized puppet creatures, yetis dancing to ‘Ice Ice Baby’ and an awful lot of bumping and grinding. I found myself longing for the pace to ease, and it finally did with a heartfelt rendition of ‘This Is Me’, which would have made a fitting finale. Instead, it was followed by a breathless medley of ‘Proud Mary’, ‘You’re the One That I Want’ and ‘Dancing Queen’ that had the audience on their feet.
For all my reservations about the surroundings, there’s plenty to admire about the show itself. The Las Vegas-style costumes are spectacular and the cast’s energy never dips. But after seventy minutes or so of thumping sound and non-stop spectacle, it felt as though someone had taken a jackhammer to my brain. Judging by the whooping around me, though, everyone else had an absolute blast – although I suspect the pricey alcohol may have helped.
Produced by Gandey World Class Productions
Full Moon plays at Sabai Pavilion, Shepherd’s Bush until Sunday 12 July before touring.
