Review: DEATH DROP: BACK IN THE HABIT, The Alexandra Birmingham - Tour
Photo credit: Danny Kaan
Death Drop sashays back onto UK stages with the nun-missable sequel, Death Drop: Back in the Habit. It is a sequel in spirit only, as writer Robert Evans provides us with a fresh set of characters and a new setting so everyone is welcome to join in the fun, whether they saw the original Death Drop or not. However, we will issue a slight word of warning for newcomers – with euphemisms aplenty, strong language and an innuendo to fill every gap, this show is not for the faint-hearted!
When the curtain rises, we are introduced to our protagonist Father Alfie Romeo (LoUis CYfer), a timid priest who is instructed by his Cardinal to visit the convent of St. Bab’s following a series of ghostly goings-on involving a missing priest, a treasured artifact…and a goat birthing kittens. As our characters point out, “it’s quite a lot of backstory, especially for an opening scene”, in the first of a series of self-aware moments which leave the fourth wall well and truly broken.
Following Father Romeo on his quest, we journey to the eerie halls of St. Bab’s convent via Peter Mckintosh’s dramatically darkened set, featuring a series of corridors to the wings which provide ideal for running through in a Scooby Doo-esque chase scene. Rory Beaton’s lighting, combined with Beth Duke’s sound, add to the scene of a dark and stormy night, perfect for the slasher-thriller.
It is here where we meet the Sisters of St. Bab’s, played by familiar faces to fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. Victoria Scone shines as the Mother Superior, towering over CYfer’s cowering priest and keeping her gaggle of nuns firmly in check throughout, her deadpan wit allowing her to riff off the silliness of the other Sisters. We are first introduced to Sister Maria JulieAndrews, a ditsy young nun who seemingly joined the convent to live out her fantasises of spinning around and singing on Austrian hilltops. The role is played by Drag Race legend Jujubee, whose comic timing is impeccable, providing a lot of the laughs in the first few scenes. She is joined by the dry-witted and generally crass Sister Titis (Kitty Scott-Claus) and blonde bombshell Sister Mary Berry (Cheryl Hole). The ensemble cast work well together, including some impressive group choreography from director Jesse Jones, with each member getting their chance to shine and show off their individual skillsets. Jujubee and Kitty Scott-Claus both show off impressive vocals in solo numbers, whilst Cheryl Hole confidently performs an a cappella mash up of pop songs in Sister Mary Berry’s bid to remember The Lord’s Prayer. Meanwhile, LoUis CYfer is superb in the role of Father Romeo, reminding us slightly of Matt Berry in his amusing portrayal of the bumbling priest whilst Victoria Scone is the glue that holds the whole thing together.
The sheer hilarity, frivolity and draginess of the show almost makes up for its lack of a real plot. It’s less of a cohesive story and more a series of sketches, held together by camp pop culture references which come in thick and fast. In fitting with the genre, there are several allusions to classic horror movies such as Scream, It, The Exorcist and that classic scarefest, The Sound of Music?! The pop culture references don’t stop there, with further nods towards everything from The Lord of the Rings to Mr Blobby. Drag Race fans will appreciate the scattering of jokes about RuPaul’s hit series, and a lot of the show’s charm is its self-referential nature. A particular highlight is Kitty Scott-Claus’ rendition of ‘Oopsie Woopsie’, a song that returns from the original Death Drop, as well as frequent references to Drag Race royalty Willam, who previously played Sister Titis.
Death Drop certainly has its finger on the pulse, with quick-witted jokes about Prince Andrew, the Catholic Church, and a cheeky jab at former PM Liz Truss. When it comes to the humour, nothing is off the table. The show is deliciously camp and a surefire hit for fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race, with plenty of content that will also impress those less familiar with the TV series. It may be a sequel but it’s fair to say that Death Drop: Back in the Habit is second to nun! Can we get an Amen?
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Kirstie Ewer
Death Drop: Back in the Habit plays at The Alexandra, Birmingham until 18 March, with tickets available here.