DICK!, which plays in the intimate lounge of the Leicester Square Theatre is a risqué and clever theatrical experience. From the very get-go it’s apparent that this is going to be an in-your-face show. If you’re in any way prudish or easily offended then this really isn’t the show for you. But, if you revel in all that depravity, like me, then you really need to book your tickets!
The six strong cast, led by The Very Miss Dusty ‘O’, all shine equally. Dusty, who plays S’HoHo’ sex club owner Sofonda Cox, throws around scathing one-liners and witty dialogue, befitting of the crotchety character just perfectly. There’s a few instances when her mannerisms and tone resemble that of the late, great king of camp and Carry On films, Frankie Howerd. Now, I’m not saying she’s Frankie Howerd in drag [runs for cover]. But you can see the influences there, in certain idiosyncrasies.
The foppish Dick, who is basically a minge-mad toff, is played by Dave Bibby. Upon first glances I was unsure whether he was the best choice for the lothario role. But he totally dispelled any misgivings I had after the first few scenes. He’s brilliantly bawdy throughout. Bumbling Alice Fitznicely was another of my favourite characters, and Laura Hyde, who plays Alice, fits into the role like a glove.
The rest of the cast, which include a common-as-muck Fairy Bell-End, Queen Runt (don’t say it too fast) and Dave the Cat (why he’s Spanish, I’ll never know?) all deliver proficient performances, with the female cast members leading the way vocally.
The writing is punchy and fluid with a nod to many of the water cooler topics of the day (Nigella, Miley) and there is little time for a lull in proceedings. The musical numbers – the first half could have done with one or two more – are carefully selected and well performed, especially ‘Enough is Enough’ and, for me, the highlight of the show, a near-the-knuckle rehashing of ‘If I Was Not Upon the Stage’.
I think what ultimately sets DICK! apart from other adult pantos is that it really does what it says on the tin. It puts the risk into risqué. The script is not just lazily peppered with expletives, as others have done, it’s very well thought through from start to finish, and has a cast of professionals. More importantly, for a Christmas show, it’s a damn good night out.
• The Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BX
Playing until 19th January 2014. £20.50.
www.leicestersquaretheatre.com
