Denim: World Tour, Underbelly Cowgate, review

Underbelly’s Denim: World Tour will get your heart pumping and your foot tapping, as these queens take the stage by storm.

For one hour only, Underbelly Cowgate transforms into Wembley Arena as this highly dramatic, larger-than-life show rip roars into action. A soundscape that mimics the atmosphere of a concert sets the mood, creating suspense before the stars grace us with their presence.

The opening number sucks you right in, as booming classical music makes way for a Gaga mashup – how cliché, you may think, but leading lady Glamrou La Demin already beats you to the thought: commenting on the song choice in a suitably tongue-in-cheek manner.

No one is safe from Denim’s wit and satire (not even themselves), as they poke fun at pop culture, religion – you name it. There’s a thick irony surrounding the show as they constantly reference how huge their surroundings are; yet barely all five can fit on the set bare stage. A semi-chaotic nature adds to this humour, as capes get stuck, sunglasses fall of  and lollipops are lost – the queens are determined, though, to shine on.

Each queen is individual and unique, with their own sense of humour and complimentary solo song. Shirley Du Naughty is a 1950’s Stepford wife, Aphrodite Greene makes a cool mum with her bassy tones, Electra Cue is the sex pistols revolutionary, Glamrou La Demin the glitter dusted comedian and Crystal Vaginova the sex obsessed bearded lady. Praise must be given to Crystal, whose incredible falsetto singing is without doubt one of the highlights. Her angelic voice delightfully contrasts with the raunchy nature of her language, with her belt sending shivers through the audience.

At moments,segways between songs feels jarring and seemingly unrelated to the concert theme. It causes the show to occasionally just lose strength and momentum, but it is always brought back by the queens’ commitment and sheer sass.

Denim: World Tour is a smile-inducing show that’ll leave you feeling powerful and positive. If you’re looking for a good laugh and a chair boogie to timeless classics, it’s absolutely the show for you.