With the schools back and the winter coat hanging on the back of the door, it’s fair to say summer feels like nothing more than a distant memory.
But looking on the bright side of things, we have Halloween, Christmas and some fabulous new shows opening in the West End and beyond to help keep us out of trouble for the next few months. On top of all that, we’re fast approaching panto season, and all the fun and opportunities it offers the capital’s many jobbing drag queens.
I’ve already booked my ticket for Growled, this year’s ‘adult’ panto offering at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, which runs most nights from the end of November through to January. But before that, I had the pure joy of seeing one of my all-time favourite actresses, Tracie Bennett, who is currently starring in The Code at Southwark Playhouse as the sassy, former leading lady of Hollywood, Tallulah Bankhead. As always, Bennett brought her husky tones, precise delivery and razor-sharp timing to this loveable fag-hag type character. I adored her, the story and its entire cast. Written by Michael
McKeever, the play delves into the queer underworld of Tinseltown during its golden age of movie-making. Also starring is a very dashing John Partridge as the interior designer and once leading man, Billy Haines. Openly queer and living with his partner, Haines is a man of conviction and integrity (for the most part) who challenges the sometimes seedy, ruthless world of fame, fortune and exploitation — in the name of showbiz!
I didn’t just get to see one of my favourite actresses in action this month, but I was spoiled by not one, but two Irish dance shows that swept briefly into London. Eireann played at the Peacock Theatre and was a lovely celebration of Ireland’s history through dance and song. When such a show has such a short run, I can’t help feeling that the producers may have been ‘testing the water’ ahead of a much wider, longer tour — so if that’s your bag, I’d look out for its return in the future (fingers crossed!).
My second Irish-inspired outing was perhaps a little more edgy, contemporary and at times risky as it fused the power of Irish dancing alongside the world of modern tap and street dance. Yes, Emerald Storm sounded a bit weird to me, too, but I had such a fun night watching the young cast from around the world create pure magic with their feet. Adam Garcia is backing this show, which brings together the very talented tap dancer Bayley Graham and Lord of the Dance sensation Olivia Graydon. New Zealander Bayley narrowly missed out on the top spot on America’s Got Talent a few years ago, so, as you can imagine, he’s a smooth mover and it was a delight to watch him. Hot off the press, it’s also just been announced that the show is due back at the new Emerald Theatre from 25th November until 14th December.
Tracie Bennett and Thomas, Southwark PlayhouseNow, what am I looking forward to seeing this month?
Well, fresh from the Heartstopper movie set, Joe Locke makes his West End debut in Clarkston at the Trafalgar Studio. I honestly can’t wait to see him and this much-talked-about new play. Written by Samuel D Hunter and starring Ruaridh Mollica, I have a strong feeling this is going to be quite a moment. Ronnie Larsen’s bold new comedy-thriller Happy Ending comes to the Waterloo East Theatre after a stint in the States and runs throughout October. I love this tiny little space and the wealth of queer theatre it puts on, so for me, I can’t wait to get back and support it in the way it supports the community.
Before I go, the annual Musical Con will take place between 18th and 19th October at the Excel Centre. It always has such a fabulous and diverse range of delights for peeps to enjoy, from talks to tours. If you love musical theatre, then this is a must-attend. And if you do happen to pop along and see me fingering through some programmes or show memorabilia, be sure to say hi. Enjoy your month, folks
Give Thomas a follow @thomasmagill1
