Acid’s Reign musical review: Glorious planet-conscious cabaret
The delightfully camp and unabashedly political new musical is a spunky, sensational romp
Acid’s Reign, the climate cabaret formed in the clink, is making climate change hot (again) in this absolute barnstormer of a new musical that manages to be both a thoroughly enjoyable camp riot and to ask some provocative questions of its audience. What’s more important: staying radical or staying visible? How do you balance idealism with realism, particularly when the bad guys never take a day off? And why are we mucking about with our bags for life when the planet is burning?
There’s plenty of sugar to help this politically pointy medicine go down, with fantastic original songs, gorgeous costumes, a smart yet simple set and absolutely stunning performances from drag luminaries including Victoria Scone and Scarlett Harlett. All individually note-perfect, their blend is faultless too. It feels unfair to single anyone out, but Olive Branch (Ash Weir) almost steals the show with a ‘list’ song that’s as technically difficult as it is perfectly performed. The script is full of waspish one-liners and it all goes at a cracking pace, taking hits along the way at TikTok activism, payment in ‘exposure’, and who we’ll throw under the bus to get our shot. All that, and a tap solo too? Long may she reign.
Acid’s Reign, Pleasance Courtyard, until 31 August, 3.45pm.