“The hero’s journey that’s never talked about.” Impossible to give it anything less than 5 stars, really funny and worth a watch. I think I’m going to try and see it again!
From the Hairy Godmothers, Dizney in Drag is a hero’s quest with a twist. This Australian group brings to life a story of love, self-discovery and acceptance.
The stage is simple; a chaise longue, brought centre stage for the all-important dramatic moments and a red curtain which the performers largely entered and exited stage. Bright lights add to the colourful show with costumes based on beloved Disney characters, showing a VERY different side to them. Remixes of Disney songs were played as the audience came in and sat down which really drew you in to the nostalgia.
An opening musical number kicked things off, introducing the characters and setting the tone. Well known songs were sung throughout but with humorously altered lyrics. The Hairy Godmother was our guide through this topsy-turvy world, bringing humor and a presence which brought the show together. Whilst we join for the hero’s quest for a one true love, topical discussions pop up such as consent, kinks and a taboo busting period number which had the women in the audience in stitches, I am sure!
I am not a fan of audience participation but it was hard to not get involved when the actors interacted with the audience and I felt a sense of acceptance from the production, which is something I personally don’t get from many shows. With this, there does come some audience heckling to a degree, which the actors handled with grace and the added improv element really helped to bring this parody to life with all too real references to current life.
Whilst based on much loved Disney characters, the actors brought a fresh take and humorous spin with energetic performances. It was very easy to get drawn in to the performance and there was always something to draw your attention. Some jokes possibly didn’t land as maybe expected which the Hairy Godmother commented on which only added to the humour as they didn’t break character and I quite liked that element as I can imagine different audiences mean that each show might be slightly different.
Dizney in Drag is a wonderfully funny, tongue-in-cheek, X-rated journey into a beloved world, questioning social norms and accepting that it is ok to be different. Full of puns, props and playfulness, this high-energy performance is running until 14th July at the Underbelly in Cavendish Square. Catch it if you can, I’m going to try and see it again before the end!