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A review from 5D Music & Theatre writer Maria Robertson.
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This rather unusual production that is touring the UK is hard to define. Part murder mystery, part drag act, part pantomine. Is it Sister Act, is it Sound of Music, is it Agatha Christie (nope!), is it a musical? I can confirm I’ve never screamed so much in the theatre, mostly with laughter!
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We had a couple of cast changes with Alex Roberts playing Mother Superior and Kitty Scott-Claus playing Sis Titis (see what they did there?! Groan or laugh, you cannot help but giggle). Obviously we cannot compare to the intended cast but if it had not been pointed out on the way in we would not have noticed, apart from one wee reference to Victoria Scone being ill so we were left with Alex! It was not until the end that it became apparent what a small cast it actually was entertaining us. We had LoUis CYfer as Father Alfie Romeo, Cheryl Hole as Sister Mary Berry, River Medway as Sister Maria Julieandrews, and Corrina Buchan as Inner Voice.
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The different characters came together well, understandably I had a soft spot for Sister Maria Julieandrews my namesake. The scene with the birds was absolutely hilarious, and so well acted with the little puppets and the total air of the well known Sound of Music character.
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Written by Rob Evans, the concept of Death Drop was created by Christopher Clegg. He wanted to bring drag to the West End, in a proper play, written just for them. This is a murder mystery based in a nun’s convent, there are scary bits, fake blood, props and special effects. I’ve never experienced quite such a heartfelt scream, across the entire audience, as at this play.
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It’s also a long time since I’ve laughed quite that much in a theatre. It is a well put together piece of theatre – although obviously not for the easily offended! Drag kings and queens are smutty and naughty, almost by definition. This is no different when they are acting in a play, although they do bring their own comedy and charisma along too.
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As long as you can let go of social norms, and our modern PC-ness, and find the humour in kinky jokes, intense swearing, and a bit of blaspheme then this show will not disappoint. Perfect way to cheer up a January weekend, get your tickets now!
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Further information and tickets: https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/death-drop-back-in-the-habit
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Maria Robertson is the Chief Music & Theatre Writer for the 5D Pop Culture Website and provides reviews & coverage of local Aberdeen music & theatre gigs. She’s an experienced writer for numerous sources and is a self-confessed live gig addict ever since seeing The Counting Crows at the Barrowlands in 1994.
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