Leeds Playhouse – until 23rd April 2022
Reviewed by Katie Goldsbrough
4****
Hedwig and the Angry Inch has become somewhat of a cult classic since it’s Broadway release in 1998, it tells the story of Hedwig, a gender queer rock and roll singer. Beginning in East Berlin we learn of the upbringing of Hansel Schmidt, living in a city divided by a wall the young Hansel dreams of the other side and seeing the world he can only imagine through music. We discover how Hansel ends up living in America as a woman, after meeting Luther Robinson, an American Soldier and how this leads to further struggles with identity. Facing relationship breakdowns and a lack of a loving family we learn of the difficult life Hedwig has faced leading them to where they are today.
Throughout the show Hedwig struggles with the fact that Tommy Gnosis an ex and previous collaborator is currently having a much more successful career than her own. Hedwig appears in her own rock ‘n’ roll band with her assistant/husband Yitzhak, a Jewish drag queen. Hedwig seems to be threaten, by Yitzhak to his natural talent resulting in her verbally abusing him throughout the show and only agreeing to marry him if he promises never to put on a wig again. It’s not until the end of the show that Hedwig finally begins to accept themselves for who they are.
At this performance the role of Hedwig is taken on by the fabulous Divina De Campo, who found fame on RuPaul’s Drag Race and has an excellent stage presence, rivalled only by Elijah Ferreira’s hilarious performance as Yitzhak. The rest of the band is also great, with fantastic music throughout only adding to the story. This is a brilliant, hilarious show full of laughter and rock ‘n’ roll. The raw exploration of gender, sex and sexuality is something rarely seen on stage and is something people shouldn’t be afraid to talk about. For anyone struggling with who they are, this is a great show to see that you can be anyone and everyone should learn to accept themselves. The show ended with a much-deserved standing ovation. With Divina De Campo meet and greets available on certain nights, this is a show not to be missed. Tickets are selling fast so if you’ve yet to get yours you need to be quick about it.