Written by Jenna for Theatre & Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own

A riotous, irreverent, and unexpectedly thoughtful new musical, Jeezus! at the New Diorama Theatre delivers a bold tale of faith, identity, and desire through a distinctly queer lens. This is not a show that tiptoes around its subject matter - it struts in, sequins trailing behind it, and dares you to keep up. Following its huge success at Edinburgh Fringe Festival last year, the show transfers to the West End for a limited run until 9th May 2026. Directed by Laura Killeen, Jeezus! is the latest offering from migrant-led theatre company Alpaqa.

The story follows Jesús, a teenage altar boy in modern-day Peru, caught in the push and pull between the doctrine he’s been raised to revere and the desires he’s only just beginning to understand. What unfolds is a deeply personal journey, but one told with tongue firmly in cheek and more than a few belly laughs. The script balances its emotional core with razor-sharp humour, resulting in something that is both hilarious and quietly affecting.

Visually, the production is a masterclass in doing more with less. The set, with its backdrop of clouds and two side panels decorated with glittery dildos, is simple but striking, with one side anchored by a clever stained-glass motif that shifts and transforms to reflect Jesús’ inner turmoil. The glowing panel becomes both church and confession, with the other side of the stage occupied by one-man orchestra Tom Cagnoni. Costumes by Carolina Rieckhof work well, with distinctly Peruvian and religious elements combined with sequinned trousers, nipple tassels and later (spoiler alert), a gold loincloth. Lighting by Josephine Tremelling adds drama with thunderclaps, angelic spotlights and red/blue strobes depicting the age-old heaven/hell, sin/virtue themes.

The cast consists of two hugely talented performers (who also serve as producers), Sergio Antonio Maggiolo and Guido Garcia Lueches. They may not have the strongest of vocals, but harmonise well and carry the eclectic score brilliantly. Their chemistry, comic timing, acting and expression are impeccable. The pair cleverly recreate famous religious artworks, reimagined with a playful, subversive twist that feels fresh rather than gimmicky. The reimagining of the Lord’s Prayer later in the show is a work of poetic genius, and the choreography by Vivian Gabel is well executed and effective.

Performances are fearless, embracing the show’s unapologetically queer energy. There’s a sense of joy in the rebellion here - a celebration of identity that refuses to be muted, even when wrestling with centuries of tradition. That said, Jeezus! is certainly not for the easily offended. It gleefully pokes at sacred symbols and long-held beliefs, and it does so without apology. But beneath the provocation lies something sincere: a story about reconciling who you are with what you’ve been taught to believe.

Delightfully queer, sharply funny, smart yet silly and visually inventive, Jeezus! is a small, 69-minute show with big conviction. It may ruffle feathers, but it also earns its hallelujahs.

JEEZUS! plays at New Diorama Theatre, London until 9 May 2026

★ ★ ★ ★

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