Opera House York – 31st May 2017. Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
La Cage Aux Folles began life as a French stage farce. It tells the story of Albin and Georges, a gay couple who make a living running a Saint Tropez drag club. Their son falls in love and plans to marry, but unfortunately her parents are against homosexuality. Chaos then ensues.
The show started with Georges, Adrain Zmed, the suave debonair owner of the club, introducing the audience to a wonderful drag queen rendition of We Are What We Are by the Les Cagelles, seven male dancers and singers. Their costumes, dancing and high kicks had me memorized right from the start, I could not take my eyes of them, and as for those kicks and those legs, I can only wish for in my dreams. Unfortunately, we then encountered a bit of a technical glitch and had to wait a short while whilst that was sorted. Once that was over and done with we got to meet Albin, played wonderfully by John Partridge, whose other persona is Zsa Zsa a drag queen, the star of the club. It was Albin played with a great Lancashire accent!
Partridge was so captivating and charismatic in his role, what a star. With his chiselled cheek bones, great wigs and dresses, he dazzled with his singing and acting, and also the interaction with a few in the front row of the audience, and also members of the band, especially Tim/Timothy, or should we say Sandra? He showed great comic timing that won us all over. He was certainly the star of this show, I loved him.
Albin does have a butler, who prefers the title maid. Jacob, played by Samson Ajewole, is so over the top, camp and again has legs to die for. He certainly struts his stuff with attitude, it was great, and he was great.
Zmed did have a few issues with his microphone on the night but played a convincing Georges, trying to please both his son, Jean-Michele, Dougie Carter, and his partner Albin.
Gary McCann did a great job on all the costumes, from Albin to the dancers, in all their sequin and glitzy glory. What beautiful creations.
The male dancers were all superb, working extremely hard for the whole production. All the cast delivered a great show.
It was at times touching, funny and so over the top, what more could you ask for? Even with a couple of technical issues, it did not matter and made no difference. The whole audience were captivated and it is certainly the biggest standing ovation that I have ever seen at the Grand Opera House in York. Absolutely brilliant and thank you!
Showing in York until Saturday 3rd June, and then continuing its UK tour.