If you’ve finally had enough of queer culture, if you’re bored of having to think all the time and if you’re still looking for some closure from that election result, then it’s probably worth checking out Bourgeois & Maurice and David Hoyle’s collaborative show, Middle of the Road at the Soho Theatre.
A celebration of all things bland and popular, it’s a sarcastic attack on the mainstream, a musical exploration of what it means to be beige and a brilliantly devised takedown of everyone from Kim Kardashian to that cheating mutt from Britain’s Got Talent. Even the really, really, really lovely Princess Charlotte is a target.
The show opens with David Hoyle’s keynote speech, delivered with all the slickness of an abstract TED talk from an Apple executive. Among other things we’re told to not ask questions and not think too much. With Hoyle at the reigns, it’s a tempting offer.
The musical numbers throughout are irresistible; everyone from shy tories, the commentariat, and anyone who just can’t resist giving you their opinion comes under fire from the trio’s acerbic, sardonic wit. The angry ode to the world of comment sections and Twitter is particularly hilarious for anyone who’s spent time in either of those tedious echo chambers.
As you would expect, trying to define the show is a nightmare. It’s a mishmash of genres and set pieces; there’s portraiture, there’s a chat show, there’s numerous costume changes and at one point we’re literally watching paint dry (and cheering it on too). But whatever the trio are turning their hand at the performance remains hilarious and thoughtful throughout.
Their decision to appeal to the conventional may have been the sarcastic premise for a deliciously cynical show, but anyone capable of making Coldplay, James Blunt and Mumford and Sons interesting deserves to go mainstream.
• Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE
Box Office: 020 7478 0100 / Ends 13th June
