Review: Send in the Clowns - TW*TS, Old Joint Stock Theatre
Photo credit: Fatt Projects
Send in The Clowns is a raucous, hysterically funny drag revue show, packed full of talent, and celebrating the marvellous world of musical theatre. A regular fixture at Birmingham’s Old Joint Stock Theatre, it has very quickly become a sell-out cult event with many regulars in the audience, and it’s not difficult to see why! This time, with TW*TS!, the Clowns are taking on the man behind some of the West End’s greatest musicals ... and some of its biggest flops (Stephen Ward the Musical, anyone?). Of course, Besties, we’re talking about the Lord himself, Andrew Lloyd Webber.
There’s laughs a minute from the get-go, with sly jibes at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s expense, and a witty reinterpretation of The Phantom of the Opera. We’re also treated to some audience participation, with a fun sing-along (which we won’t spoil for you, Besties!) and a game of guessing whether a review belongs to the Clowns or the Lord. The jokes come thick and fast, and Fatt Butcher does a fantastic job as host, with an effortless charm and biting sense of humour.
However, what truly sets this show apart is the exceptional live vocals from all four performers. We were absolutely blown away by the vocal talents of Fatt Butcher, who performs a phenomenal rendition of Evita’s ‘Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina’, as well as a turn as Norma Desmond with ‘As if We Never Said Goodbye’ from Sunset Boulevard. Dahliah Rivers is gloriously camp in her rendition of Bad Cinderella, whilst Blü Romantic hilariously takes on Starlight Express, roller blades and all (don’t worry, it’s all in the risk assessment!). A special mention must go to WEBF’s very own Alanna Boden, whose outstanding vocals make for an emotional rendition of ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’ from Jesus Christ Superstar.
The second act was a twenty-ish minute reimagining of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, with Blü Romantic taking on the lead role. In a twist from tradition, Blü does it all with a beautifully painted face of cat makeup, a glitzy black loin cloth and a leather harness. The Clowns’ take on Joseph also features an inexplicably French, but nonetheless impressive, rendition of ‘Those Canaan Days’ led by Dahliah Rivers. Plus, Fatt Butcher puts in a showstopping performance with a mashup of Cher’s ‘Believe’ combined with ‘Song of The King’. The whole thing is held together (just about!) by Alanna as the Narrator, and a series of scene changes that have everyone clapping along.
You’re bound to leave Send in The Clowns – TW*TS with a smile on your face, and an image seared into your brain of a cat-faced Joseph in restraints. It’s joyfully outrageous, and deliciously camp!
Whether you love the works of Andrew Lloyd Webber, hate them, or just vaguely remember them from a series of Noughties TV talent shows, we insist you “Go Go Go” to see this show!
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Kirstie Ewer
Send in The Clowns: TW*TS plays at The Old Joint Stock Theatre until 10 June, but we’re sure The Clowns will be back in town soon! Further information can be found here.