Soho Theatre
Playing until 12th October 2024
Review (AD-PR Gifted}
As far as drag shows go, I think it’s safe to assume there aren’t many that feature the performer being (sort of) fired out of a giant cannon for their grand finale extravaganza. But Ginger Johnson certainly isn’t the type of drag queen to be content with simply stepping on stage in a nice frock and, to borrow her own words, “telling knob jokes”.
Having achieved her lifelong dream of being crowned “the UK’s next drag superstar” on the latest series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2023, Ginger faced an existential dilemma: what would be the new dream to propel her through life and keep her motivated?
The answer: becoming a death-defying daredevil, inspired by the circus performers she watched with awe as a child.
This quest forms the basis of her new show Ginger Johnson Blows Off!, which comes to Soho Theatre fresh from a run at the Edinburgh Fringe last month. Having watched the show early in its Fringe run, I noticed that the jokes and routines are even tighter and slicker than last time, and the extra buzz brought by the up-for-it Soho audience reverberates through Ginger’s high-powered performance.
As the drag artist leads us through three stunts of increasing levels of danger (seemingly) and silliness (definitely), culminating in the aforementioned use of a giant cannon, she commands the audience with a bright-eyed ease. Many of the biggest laughs of the night come from Ginger’s sparky banter with the crowd, although this can occasionally make some of the stand-up jokes feel a touch predictable by contrast.
We’re also treated to a number of original songs, which Ginger performs with confidence and near-criminal levels of charm. The performer’s strong live vocals add to the feeling that we’re watching an absolute professional in their element.
Alongside the laughs, of which there is no shortage, Ginger brings so much heart to this show that you’ll struggle to leave the theatre without a big smile on your face.
Supported by a clever and sparklingly polished concept, Ginger Johnson Blows Off! is the golden ticket for anyone looking for a delightfully camp night of feel-good fun with a self-professed silly sausage.
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