ReviewsGate

View Original

Boys in the Buff. Words and Music by Chris Burgess. The Drayton Arms Theatre, London to 9 January 2022. 4****. William Russell.

Naughty but nice this very funny revue has four young men worrying about where and when to take their clothes off. They are urged on by a glamorous lady compere who has no intention of taking her clothes off, and every intention of changing them whenever she gets the chance. The boys are a mixed bunch, all can sing and dance and approach what Diana, the compere, played by a luscious Katarina Zofia demands they do with different degrees of reluctance. It is not until the end of Act Two that all is revealed when it has to be said Michael Angelo's David, whose cardboard cutout stands at one side of the stage, is not out classed. The songs are tuneful, the lyrics suggestive, the boys sport a variety of underpants, do a fine routine with pink ostrich feather fans,don high heels - one of them, who laments the fact that he meant to be an actor and it has come to this, shows his talents by reciting To Be or Not To Be - tap dance while assuring the audience that size doesn't matter and discuss the problems of the body not necessarily beautiful. High art it is not, but as a cabaret it works a treat and being Christmas there is even a little audience participation. Should you be looking for a bawdy night out look no further. Come to this cabaret. The boys encouraged by Diana will provide Naked Attraction with jokes.

Cast
The Boys: Aaron Blackburn, Samuel Howe-Barrett,Louis van Leer,Aaron Wood.
Diana: Katarina Zofia.

Director & Choreographer: Robbie O'Reilly.
Designer: David Shields.
Musical Director: Flynn Burgeon.
Lighting Designer: Richard Lambert.
Orchestrations: Joe Louis Robinson.
Musical Arrangements: Andy Callyer.