REVIEW – DEATH DROP BACK IN THE HABIT – GARRICK THEATRE

Death Drop premiered in London’s West End in 2020 at the Garrick Theatre, and following 3 sold out runs, the show is back with a brand new story. Plus it’s reuniting two stars of the original run, Willam and Drag King LoUis CYfer.

Credit: Matt Crockett

Death Drop Back In The Habit begins with a group of nuns in a convent, and progresses into zombies, the devil, dead bodies and a murder mystery.

Peter McKintosh’s set design has a Sister Act feel to it’s convent structure and stained glass windows. The staging doesn’t change throughout the show, although the use of props and special effects elevate the show by themselves. McKintosh’s costumes enhance the show, with Mother Superior’s Chastity belt and Sister Marie Julie Andrews’ Sound of Music inspired costumes. However, Willam looks as though she’s in a different show entirely, with her neon wig and black evening dress.

With big drag queen name Willam and Drag Race UK stars Cheryl Hole, Victoria Scone and River Medway, I was keen to see how they would fare on a West End stage. As when I saw Death Drop earlier in the year, it was the less well known members of the cast that blew me aware. But this time around I had no reason to fear, everyone onstage gives exceptionally funny performances.

Credit: Matt Crockett

Rob Evan’s script is filled with innuendos and witty lines, which each member of the cast expertly delivers. Willam’s quick, under the breath remarks have the audience in stitches, and in a nod to the original production, she dances and sings ‘Oopsie Whoopsie’. The real standout performances, however, are given by  LoUis CYfer in the role of Father Alfie Romeo and Victoria Scone as Mother Superior. CYfer plays a sketchy scheming Father and is hilarious throughout. Scone channels Kim Woodburn into the role, which was clear to see and outstanding. 

Ok, so the plot of the show isn’t the best, but that is also not what we’re here for. The audience is there for a fun night out, and on that, this show delivers. It’s amazing to see drag get a large platform such as a West End stage. It’s always great to see the West End get a bit gayer. And this is one of the best drag shows I’ve seen this year. 

Death Drop Back In The Habit is riotously funny, absolute chaos and gloriously camp. Get ready to laugh, non-stop! This is one for the gays, gals and theys, and definitely not for the terfs and tories.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

{🎟 AD – PR invite – Tickets were gifted in exchange for an honest review}

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