UK Theatre Network

The Lady Boys of Bangkok: Fantasy & Feathers Tour

Sabai Pavilion, Times Square, Newcastle

They’ve returned to the ‘toon’ for the seventh successive year and are proving more popular than ever before. Yes, The Lady Boys of Bangkok are back by public demand and entertaining audiences with their own unique brand of burlesque, cabaret and revue.

The Fantasy and Feathers production encompasses sexy space-themed numbers, sensuous Latin rhythms and pulsating pop hits by Tina Turner, Madonna, Lady Gaga and The Saturdays. There’s even a side-splitting Britain’s Got Talent/X-Factor sketch, with appearances by Jedward, SuBo and Cheryl Cole (who waves the red card at her wandering ex, Ashley!). A tongue-in-cheek tribute is paid to the late great prince of pop, Michael Jackson, too.

A hallmark of the show is the traditional element of audience participation and, as usual, the artistes descended into the auditorium to locate an unsuspecting male . . . or three! It’s all done in a good-humoured style and the guys seemed to enjoy their moment in the limelight.

With just about a million quids worth of absolutely stunning costumes, painstakingly-applied make up and show-stopping choreography, it’s difficult to believe that the gorgeous ‘girls’ on stage are actually all men.

The show is two hours of terrific entertainment, performed with perfect precision and plenty of panache. It’s an irresistible, irrepressible evening that guarantees a great night out!

Steve Burbridge.

Runs until Saturday 9 October 2010.