Last Friday night I head on down to the St James Theatre to see Miss-Leading Ladies, in what turned out to be a night of tear-inducing laughter, sexual innuendos and sequins. With the tremendously talent sibling act of Ceri Dupree and Ria Jones celebrating some of the greatest grand dames in showbiz, what more would you expect?
They were performing for 100 or so gay men, wriggling excitedly in their seats at the idea of listening to songs and anecdotes from Judy Babs S and the girls.
Gay men, show tunes? It was a hit, with the audience singing along and giving the pair not one, not two, but four standing ovations throughout the duration of the show. At one point a man in front of me was laughing so hard that he begin to choke, heading to the bar for some water. I took the opportunity to borrow some of his merlot.
It was an affair of feather boas, massive hair and unrivalled singing voices. Ria’s voice is memorising and extremely versatile (I see Ms. Dupree as more of a bottom), while the pair worked fabulously well together and completely in sync throughout. Think Richard and Judy if Judy looked like a woman.
Ms Dupree’s comedy was completely on point, leaving the audience in fits of giggles each time they heard the rustling of her frocks backstage – a signal that she was about to appear on before us, probably wearing something even sparkier and grander than before. In particular her portrayal of Mae West was truly legendary (and I’m still telling people the jokes over cocktails). “Sex is like bridge – if you have a bad partner you’d better have a good hand”. Good advice.
A spectacular show and one of my favourite of the year. It certainly offers a great night out, with plenty of entertainment, displays of unique talent, and comedy.
• 5th August – 30th August, £15. 12 Palace Street, London, SW1E 5JA
