One of the great things about the Royal Court’s £12 Mondays is that it encourages you to take a risk, as I did here. Eight performers from London’s underground club scene invade the Court to show us their talent and tell us their stories. It’s a wild and unpredictable journey.
It starts with lengthy introductions before they embark on a very funny parody of a typical Court play, with a surprising target. The change from play set to club is staged, with both the performers and stage staff transforming the space before your eyes. Then the seven very diverse acts (one who wasn’t present was represented by a cardboard cut-out!) present us with cabaret, burlesque and lip-synching. It ends more darkly as Chiyo, the final act, tells us their personal story.
It’s in-yer-face, provocative, challenging, loud, brash, rude and anarchic, but it also covers a lot of serious ground. I hadn’t hitherto understood how, in the eyes of some, drag has been hijacked by the mainstream, with Ru Paul’s Drag Race one of the culprits, and though I was aware of the abuse hurled at those who are different and those in the trans community in particular, this piece really brings this home to you.
Travis Alabanza’s piece is ground-breaking, thought-provoking and entertaining in equal measure. Risk’s don’t always pay off, but this one did.
Gareth's Culture and Travel Blog 
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