Queenz - The Show With Balls
"Acceptance and Love are the words of the night"
In the midst of their UK tour, these 5 glamorous ‘Queenz’ are making their West End debut! Entering the theatre to a soundtrack of the best Divas and Queer anthems and being handed a glow stick, having seen this show before I knew I was in for a good night!
The show opens with introductions to our performers for the evening, Bella Du Ball (Ben Sell), Dior Monte (Jaymi Hensley), Candy Caned (Josh Hanson), Ze Ze Van Cartier (Lew Ray) and Billie Eyelash (Craig Colley). Each Queen has their distinct personality and style, from ultra-glamorous diva to rock chick, there’s something for everyone. Some of these Queenz are no stranger to the wonderful world of theatre, with Jaymi having played Joseph and Ben has donned Kinky Boots previously also.
The playlist for the evening is a wonderful mix of high energy pop classics, moving slow numbers and the West-End Medley (with some altered lyrics) is a true showstopper of over 20 musical theatre songs in under 7 minutes!
Stand outs are Ben Sells’ huge vocals throughout the night, riffs aplenty with incredible control and power. Jaymi Hensley is also a member of the boy band Union J, so you’d be forgiven for thinking that they’d be better suited to the pop tunes, however Jaymi also shines in the musical theatre numbers, absolutely smashing a rendition of Defying Gravity!
There is some audience participation (watch out if you’re sat in the first few rows, you may get called out) and a rather awkward interaction when one unsuspecting male audience member is pulled up on stage by Dior Monte.
Billie Eyelash is another standout from the evening, displaying an impressive vocal range throughout and giving us the powerhouse version of Cher’s ‘Believe’. Craig leaves us with our jaws on the floor and wanting more!
The costumes designed by Rikki Finlay deserve a round of applause of their own. The budget for sequins, rhinestones and feathers on this production must be huge! Each one tailored perfectly to the queen and their personalities are displayed in what they wear.
The set and lighting design is wonderfully inspired and makes you feel could be watching this show on a big budget arena tour and not in a theatre. The huge ‘Queenz’ displayed at the back of the stage glitters throughout the night while adorned in rainbow colours which makes for a beautiful visual.
‘Acceptance’ and ‘Love’ are the words of the night and these Queenz show us what it means to be yourself and to be proud! They sing to us to show our ‘True Colours’ in a beautifully moving rendition of the Cyndi Lauper classic, reminding us all to be kind to one another, be brave and be bold!
Grab your heels, your best outfit, throw some glitter on your face and be sure to catch these fabulous queens on tour!
This show was reviewed at the Arts Theatre, London on the 4th December 2022. Full tour details here: Queenz | The Show With Balls! (queenztheshow.com)
Review written by Rosie Browne
Photo credit: Danny With A Camera
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