La Cage aux Folles, Mayflower Theatre

MUSICAL theatre is often considered a touch camp and ever so slightly ostentatious.

And then there is La Cage aux Folles.

Think sequins and sauciness, energy and exuberance.

And you should expect nothing less from a show set in a drag club in the South of France.

Zsa Zsa is the star of the show, a transvestite nightclub singer with the most fabulous frocks - and pins - in town. When the curtain comes down on her dazzling performances, he is Albin, faithful husband to the club's owner Georges and loving parent to the son they have raised together.

Their happy existence is put to the test when their son brings home his fiancee and her ultra conservative family.

The show caused quite a stir when it premiered in the 80s. It remains a strong and liberating production with a lovely message that families and relationships come in all shapes and sizes.

The latest revival of the musical embraces every element of razzzmatazz at its disposal with everything from an outrageous feathered peacock outfit to shiny ruby red can-can outfits on display.

John Partridge, best known for Eastenders and as a judge on TV's Over The Rainbow, puts in a powerhouse performance in the lead role, effortlessly switching from one alter ego to the other.

Gay anthem I Am What I Am is given an emotional treatment as he solos to close act one. While his stand up solo interacting with the audience threw up lots of laughs, most enjoyably the assertion that backstage resembled 'Primark on Black Friday', it was a distracting and unnecessary interlude which brought a touch of pantomime to the show.

Partridge and the charming former TJ Hooker and Grease 2 star Adrian Zmed as Georges at first seem an unlikely partnership. But, they made you believe in them, enjoying great chemistry. Zmed can sing too, impressing during the touching Look Over There.

Star of the musicals Marti Webb gives a spirited turn as Jacqueline and Samson Ajewole brings the house down as the butler desperate to be a maid. The drag ensemble are sequinned and spectacular, particularly during the tap number and the can-can.

A packed midweek audience took to their feet to give the cast a lengthy standing ovation at the close.

LORELEI REDDIN

La Cage aux Folles runs until Saturday. Tickets: 023 8071 1811 or mayflower.org.uk

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