I’ve sort of watched the birdcage before, a cinematic adaptation of La Cage Aux Folles. Much to the annoyance of some, I fell asleep. I can’t remember if this is because I didn’t enjoy the film, or if it was because I was genuinely tired. I’ve still not been forgiven. Little chance of that happening in this production though.
George (Adrien Zmed – Grease 2, Bachelor Party) and Albin (John Partridge – Christian Clarke in Eastenders) are a homosexual couple (one transvestite, one regular) who run La Cage Aux Folles, a drag club in St. Tropes. George has a son, from a previous romantic encounter, by the name of Jean-Michelle. Jean-Michelle comes home and announces he is to be married to a beautiful girl named Anne. Anne is the daughter of right-wing politician, Dindon. Dindon despises, and has vowed to shut down places lacking in moral such as La Cage. So, hilarity ensues when Albin is asked to pretend he isn’t Jean-Michelle’s flamboyant crossdressing step-father/mother, but instead his uncle.
Meanwhile, Jean-Michelle’s real mother will visit and play Georges’ devoted wife, so when Dondin comes for dinner to meet his future son-in-law’s family, he will suspect no immoral behaviour, and all will be well. Oh, and, of course, Jacob (Samson Ajewole) must try to be the butler he is paid to be, rather than the role of maid. Alas, Jean-Michelle’s mother can’t make the dinner, so Albin forsakes his role as manly uncle (he was struggling anyway), and returns as a very sophisticated woman, unbeknownst to Dondin.
Obviously there is so much more to the show than just the farcical side of it. To me it was a story of old love. Two romantic old fools who have been through it all and would be lost without each other. It has sad undertones to it, too. Ultimately Albin is being asked to be somebody he’s not so as not to be an embarrassment to his family. He feels rejected. Powerfully portrayed by a rendition of ‘I Am What I Am’.
All in all it was an enjoyable show. Glitzy and glamorous, there were feathers and sequins galore. It was naughty and it was sassy. Partridge and Zmed did a fabulous job, notably Partridge who ever so slightly stole the show with the flamboyance of his character. Also, I mustn’t forget to give a special mention to the chorus girls who brought a real sparkle to the spectacle. Limber legwork (considering the restrictions keeping it all…in place), and vivacious vocals are the basis for the whole performance, and really brought La Cage Aux Folles (the show, and the club you could have been at) alive.
Catch it until Saturday 18 February at Theatre Royal, tickets available here www.trch.co.uk
Review by John Banks
