Review: THE JINKX AND DELA HOLIDAY SHOW, London Palladium
Photo credit: Santiago Felipe
Ding dong merrily on drag! It may be November but Christmas has come early to London, as global drag legends Jinkx Monsoon (She/Her) and BenDeLaCreme (She/Her) return to the world-renowned London Palladium with their annual Holiday Show spectacular!
With the UK as their first stop on their biggest international whirlwind tour of festivities to date, it was truly a delight to attend the first of their two-evening residency in London’s West End.
Following a cult-classic holiday film (The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Special, 2020) and four wildly successful and critically acclaimed previous tours, the dynamic Ru Paul’s Drag Race duo return with more magic moments, high-energy holiday fun and a soundtrack sprinkled in sugar, spice, and all things… camp!
As you enter a Jinkx and DeLa show, you are welcomed into a safe-space of affirmation, anticipation, and an abundance of escapism. Plain and simply, you know you’re in safe hands, and that you can check any troubles or worries at the door, sit back, and enjoy some high-quality, original drag and cabaret excellence.
This year’s tale follows the duo as they attempt to escape their annual tradition of putting on a comedy show by going on vacation. However, when they arrive, all is not as it seems. In-fact, the duo are stuck inside ‘the show’ until they find a meaningful lesson.
From dazzling costume designs from Dallas Coulter, Mr. Gorgeous, and Paris Original, to stellar, diverse vocals from both leading ladies, this show truly packs in every colourful and chaotic ingredient to ensure it’s a holiday treat everybody should be queuing to get a slice of!
A true highlight is the opening of Act Two when, straight off the bat, we are treated to covers of three iconic anthems back-to-back: ‘Hey Big Spender’, ‘Santa Baby’, and the anthem of summer 2023, ‘Padam Padam’. Each number has the audience is stitches, and gives a punchy and hilarious kick start to the remainder of the show. However, it should be said that each of these covers have extremely unique twists on the originals and instead, you will be greeted with a very naughty Krampus, find out all the festive discounts at your local store, and see the Virgin Mary herself turn into a pop diva!
Credit must also be given to dancers Mr. Babygirl, Ruby Mimosa, Scott Spraags, Jim Kent, Chloe Albin, and Jace Gonzalez, who deliver punchy routines packed full of precision, personality, and playfulness throughout.
As sole writers of their holiday shows, you can see the pure heart and passion both Jinkx and DeLa have poured into the writing and creation of this piece, which captures their essences beautifully. All too often, queer and drag productions are written and produced by folks outside of our community, making this production a poignant reminder the power of authentic queer storytelling has.
Now more than ever, we need queer and trans stories, whether they are fact or faction, at the forefront of our stages and screens, and this show is a triumphant reminder of just that.
If you’re looking to get in the holiday spirit early this year, treat yourself and snap up a ticket to one of Jinkx and DeLa’s two remaining dates here in the UK for their 2023 Holiday Show! This is bound to be a night to remember for any fan of drag, the holidays, or general tomfoolery and comedy!
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Adam Tipping
The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show plays at Liverpool Olympia tonight (14 November) before returning to the London Palladium on 16 November. For more information, please click here.