Review: Death Drop, UK Tour, at the Lowry, Salford

Manchester has on two fabulous pieces for the LGBTQ+ community this week. The Opera House is currently housing Priscilla Queen of the Desert, whereas Salford Lowry is holding Death Drop, the smash drag murder mystery comedy direct from its run in the West End. As you can see, it is the latter we went to see this time. 

Death Drop is produced by Tuckshop (who have done a lot for drag theatre across the country), and Trafalgar Theatre Productions. Written by Holly Stars (who also stars in the piece), it follows a group of people invited to a mysterious dinner party on Tuck Island. The year is 1991, it is a dinner to celebrate Charles and Diana's 10th wedding anniversary; and what is weird is that no-one has ever met tonight's host, the Lady Von Fistenburg, before. 

All starts well, but then they start to drop. One. By. One. 

As you would expect from a play featuring a load of drag artists, it is incredibly funny. Sometimes crude; well, often crude actually. And some of the gags can be drawn out a little too much. Eg: it could have done with one less murderer *thunder claps*⛈... oh come on! 

But when the jokes get it right, they get it really right. They have you laughing out a little too loudly, and can pack a punch so big they knock you out of your seat. Stars' writing really does deliver. But you know what? It is also a pretty good mystery as well. Not Poirot or anything, but it still worked. 

No spoilers, don't worry. I'd rather not have the murderer come and take my hands off - unless I become a living Violet Evergarden, how would I ever write again?

Baaack to Death Drop......

But the script is only as good as the people saying the lines, and the comic timing of this cast is off the chart. Drag Race fans rejoice, as we have Queens join from the American, British and Australian versions! I must be honest, I am only truly familiar with the British version, but this has made me want to check out the other Queens' work. 

Headlining were American Queens Willam and Ra'jah O'Hara, who played faded pop star Shazza, and America weather girl Summer Raines. But I thought it was the supporting cast who really shined, filled with true comedy Queens. Australian Queen Karen From Finance (WHAT a name!) was fantastic as uptight media tychoon Morgan Pierce (haha), definitely having a look of Harry Potter's Rita Skeeter about her. 

Drag King Richard Energy was hilarious as Rich Whiteman, an obvious skit on a certain person in power we have. They played up the Torie toff personality down to a T, and oddly enough, their costume was one of my favourites. The nightgown and cap was full on Wee Willy Winky and I loved it! 

But of course the biggest draw for me personally (because I actually watch the British version), was Vinegar Strokes. I had the luck of seeing her in Everybody's Talking About Jamie before her stint on Drag Race and knew she would be hilarious in this. As the Lady Von Fist., she was fantastic. Her impersonations and voice were ON POINT. 

May not look it but this was during the bows - promise!

If you're looking for something which is funny, smart and most of all CAMP, then I cannot recommend Death Drop enough. It has definitely become a contender for the funniest show I have seen this year. It's not for everyone yes, but if this interests you at all, then absolutely go. It is a fabulous night out!  

Death Drop plays at the Lowry, Salford until Saturday (16th October). 

The tour will be stopping off at Cardiff, Crewe (...ok!) and Birmingham in the next few weeks. Get tickets here: Death Drop UK Tour - Death Drop Tickets 2021 (britishtheatre.com)