SEND IN THE CLOWNS: C*ck of Ages Review
Written by Roni for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
We may be at the end of the most miserable month of the year, but there is a special kind of joy to be found at the Old Joint Stock in Birmingham - that’s right, the Clowns are back! Returning for their eighth show C*ck of Ages, Send in The Clowns have the space packed to the rafters – and it’s certainly not hard to see why.
This is another hugely popular drag revue show from Fatt Productions, a performance company focused on celebrating queer joy and creating spaces for people from all walks of life to come together and feel empowered. C*ck of Ages is an acid trip of a whistle-stop tour through some classic rock musicals, as the Clowns attempt to ‘make musical theatre gay again’ (and believe me, it’s hard to think of anything more queer than this). The first half of the show is the usual cabaret of songs from various shows, however, there’s a heartfelt message coming alongside the hilarity here. Whilst the insatiable Dahliah Rivers and the fiendishly outlandish Blu Romantic have us bent double (careful) with their renditions of ‘Sweet Transvestite’ and ‘Hit Me With Your Best Shot’ (there were balls involved. Be prepared), both Alanna Boden and Fatt Butcher take the time to ground us in reality. Alanna impresses on us the difficulties faced historically by queer and trans people that unfortunately are still prevalent today, before delivering some mind-blowing vocals in ‘Out Tonight’. Fatt uses their time to give an emotional speech about being non-binary and removing barriers around gender (and they are beautifully correct), following up with a gorgeous rendition of ‘The Origin of Love’. The camp and comedy always speak for themselves when it comes to the Clowns, but it’s also important to remember why these types of spaces and performances are so necessary. Bravo, Clowns.
The second act involves a 20 minute (if your watch has stopped) retelling of the beloved classic Grease, put together with very little rehearsal, some double-sided jackets and some very questionable accents. It is, of course, lapped up by the audience. Everything about these shows, from the writing to the props, is so deliciously brilliant and quick-witted that it’s hard to see how anyone could take umbridge. It genuinely is something to be appreciated by all, even if it is incredibly bizarre to be seated next to your mother chanting ‘slut’. It’s been amazing to see how popular these shows have become, and they are definitely a calendar highlight. This is a naturally talented group of comedians who can also deliver some incredible harmonies and have put their all in to creating something very special. It’s the kind of show that makes you proud; to be on the right side of history, to be witnessing a true labour of love, even to be a Brummie (that may be pushing it).
It’s a bundle of chaos that’s exalting and X-rated – and you’d be an absolute clown to miss out.
Send In The Clowns: C*ck of Ages will play at the Hope Mill Theatre on the 16 and 17 May 2025
★★★★★
