Old Ship

22/02/15: Imagine what a life without humour and laughter would be like? I know, it really doesn’t bear thinking about does it? Thankfully, both were in abundance when Saucy Sophie took to the stage, which was abuzz with merry regulars and cabaret fans, all eager to witness her superior sharp wit, last Sunday. 

It’s a rare occurrence these days to see a drag artist who can deliver a show which is almost all stand-up comedy, in this case bookmarked with a musical number to open and close. In fact, without wanting to sound like a gushing Gertrude, it’s quite a feat to be able to hold a bustling boozy room for an hour with anecdotes alone, taking into account smartphones have shortened attention spans.

But that’s just what Sophie did. Backed by DJ Stevie Tee, she captured the audience from the get go, looking stunning and even matching the gorgeous new stage backdrop, she rolled off gag after gag, with delivery timed to perfection. As with all good blue comics, nothing was off limits. Cottaging, Rolf Harris, sexual exploits, fellow drag acts and guv’nor John all got it, so to speak.

There was even a coincidentally timed Cockney Awards ceremony (all for fun, of course) with gongs being handed out to Sophie, DJ Stevie and Miss Ross. I wonder where they got that idea? Oh but we LOVED it!

This East End gem of a venue (often frequented by Sir Ian McKellen no less) and the outrageously funny Sophie go together like a luscious portion of pie and mash. Both are charming and more-ish, and both excel in what that they aim to do. We were in tears of laughter throughout, and we doth our diamanté encrusted cap to you Sophie for that. You set us up perfectly for the week ahead.

17 Barnes Street, E14 7NW
Words by Jason Reid