Saucy Jack and The Space Vixens (SJATSV) is a title bold and strange enough to intrigue almost anyone into asking what on earth you might be seeing. This show takes you beyond Earth and into the heart of space galleries away, where no boundaries of normality remain. This is one of the things that makes SJATSV so entertaining and clever. The only things that matter in this world are justice, good times and of course, disco.
“Disco?” I hear you ask? Yes, disco. And no, it doesn’t date the piece in the slightest. All of the songs involved in the piece are too catchy to be able to keep still to. I found myself beaming through all the songs, wanting to stand up and dance at all possible times. This is perhaps why the show, which has been running for many years now at different locations, has such a strong cult following.
The main thing for me is that it’s so refreshing to see some good quality camp. Finally, I’ve found a show that allows me to indulge my inner disco dancer/drag queen and let them run loose. I actually challenge anyone to come along to this show and not find themselves pulled in by its magnetism.
That’s not to say that the show is cheap, or simply aesthetic throughout. There are themes that run through the piece that reflect real emotions and there are some truly stunning performances. Caspar Cordwell James offers a stellar example of this as his character, Booby Chevalle, reflects back on moments in her life. This is just one example of the sheer quality and standard of the entire cast. As an ensemble, they work together perfectly; there is always someone or something to watch everywhere you look. A master of this is Dr Willy con Whackoff played by Tom Whalley. The attention to detail in his performance was phenomenal, even things like stirring his drink in time with the music when the focus isn’t on him, to the cheeky looks he gives to audience members. It’s things like this that reveal a top quality actor who works hard in his craft by completely indulging himself in the character.
SJATSV is being shown currently at The Kings Head Theatre, London’s oldest pub theatre to date. We were actually given a short speech about the importance of supporting fringe theatres like this, as they are a precious and integral part of theatrical history throughout London. Currently, the theatre needs £100,000 per year just to survive. The theatre also agree with paying actors the equity minimum rate, rather than just offering actors and creatives money only based on the profit of the show, which is completely affordable. It’s important that we keep theatres like this alive, particularly when they are offering talent as big as this. So even if you don’t manage to get yourself down to see this show (which would honestly be such a shame anyway), please check out the theatre and see if you can help save a treasure of a venue.
It’s fair to say that I will be booking my ticket to take all of my friends again extremely soon. Seriously, this is an absolute definite go-see for anyone looking for a high quality performance that is ramped up with loads of fun. I, myself, have gone from not having a clue who Saucy Jack or any of his entourage are, to wanting to be come a fully qualified Space Vixen. It’s true; glitter boots really did save my life!
Saucy Jack and The Space Vixens is playing at The Kings Head Theatre until 21 May. For more information and tickets, see Kings Head Theatre website.
Photo: Scott Leven
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