I am late to the Polly Amorous party having missed last year’s XXXmas Carol and not being that up on Cardiff’s drag legends. But having been thrilled, chilled and slightly sozzled at this year’s queer alternative Christmas show, The Lion, The B!tch and the Wardrobe, I am a fully paid up member.
Wales Millennium Centre’s Weston Studio has been transformed into a cabaret setting with tables around a stage where Polly tells the story of Narnia (well, sort of) through drag, musical theatre, wonderful circus skills and burlesque.
If you think you know what lies beyond that wardobe this show will certainly make you think again as in this land of the snow queen we meet a very naughty faun who has an interesting way of getting someone to make him tell his secrets, a couple of beavers (one of my friends did not quite realise what she was stroking but it wasn’t a water rodent) and some real bad ass characters, that rather strange lion and the wickedest of queens.
Eric McGill and Polly Amorous
Bunmi Odumosu
Foo Foo Labelle
For those lucky enough to be in the know the star performers are Rahim El Habachi, Foo Foo LaBelle, Bunmi Odumosu, Eric McGill, Asha Jane, Felix Sürbe and of course, the mistress of ceremonies Polly Amorous. For those who don’t, well, you will by the end of the glorious evening.
The skills include lots of ropes and trapeze work, juggling, whip cracking, clothes shedding, belly dancing and thwacking of a certain part of the anatomy.
The team at the centre serve you your (rather good value) drinks via an app to tour seats and the atmosphere is wonderful.
This is a splendid show, not for the priggish or faint hearted, and to tell any more would be to spoil the endless fun and frollicks. Just go and enjoy the fawnicating!
Until December 31
https://www.wmc.org.uk/en/whats-on/2022/the-lion-the-btch-and-the-wardrobe