THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS

Here’s something we can’t resist.
A musical in which men are men and women and women. And yet the whole jamboree’s as camp as Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Where to begin? Let’s begin at the beginning.

There really was an illegal brothel in Texas, the so-called Chicken Ranch, which survived in one form or another for well over a hundred years. (The madames were in cahoots with the cops). Following a campaign by a moral watchdog, it closed in 1973.

Its story was told in this musical, first seen on Broadway in 1978 and at Drury Lane in 1981. But if its title rings a bell, it’s probably because of the 1982 movie version with Dolly Parton as the madame, Burt Reynolds as her sheriff boyfriend. Despite having no hits (not even ‘I Will Always Love You’, which was added to the film), the stage show has surfaced periodically.

It was at the Landor as recently as 2007. Now it’s at the Union and, as is so often the case, it’s huge fun to see a company of nearly 30 cavorting in a space no bigger than the average theatre foyer.

There’s no two ways about it. This show has always had structural problems. It sets up storylines that go unresolved in an ending so abrupt that it looks as though the writers ran out of paper. It also makes no sense for the crusading moralist to be played as gay.

This tradition began with the movie, when gay director Colin Higgins cast übercamp Dom de Luise in the role. Here it’s played with gusto by Leon Craig, who was “a little bit gay” Jesus in Jerry Springer the Opera. But since when have gay men been loud-mouthed prudes?

Nevertheless this is a show it’s impossible to dislike. The finely-drilled chorus, in various states of undress, are the epitome of teeth ‘n’ smiles. James Parkes is in good voice as the sheriff, while Sarah Lark, yet another reality show contestant (she fought for a role in Oliver! in BBC TV’s I’d Do Anything), holds the show together as Miss Mona, mistress of the inn.

Rating: 4/5 

• Union Theatre, 204 Union Street, SE1.
• Runs until 12th November.
• Box-office: 020 7261 9876 or www.uniontheatre.biz

Advertisement

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here