The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
Landor Theatre, Clapham
THERE'S something very special about watching a theatre performance as intimate as this. And when you're being entertained by a 26-strong cast as gorgeous, energetic and downright talented as the gang from The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, you know you're experiencing a real treat.
For two scintillatingly sexy hours, pulsating with utter naughtiness, the
small audience are taken on a barnstorming journey of both laughter and tears. There are also a few chances to feast on some genuinely
eye-popping moments. Pats on the back to the brave boys who leapt through the theatre in their birthday suits at the end of Act I.
The musical, made famous by Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds in the
Oscar-nominated 1982 film version and written by Larry L. King, Peter
Masterson and Carol Hall, centres around the Chicken Ranch - a Texan
bordello which faces closure thanks to a moralising TV reporter's
campaign.
The music is upbeat, tremendous fun and, at times, wholly spine-tingling.
As Chicken Ranch madam Miss Mona, Suzie Chard puts in an outstanding performance, especially during Girl, You're a Woman. Moving stuff indeed.
But it is multi-talented Richard Swerrun (he also choreographed the whole she-bang) as reporter Melvin P Thorpe who steals the show. Hands down. With his hilarious dancing, dodgy wardrobe, enviable repertoire of facial expressions and a cracking script full of cracking one-liners, Swerrun is undoubtedly the star. The crowd positively ripple with anticipation every time he walks on stage.
Credit also to a splendid, young chorus line who seduce the audience with aplomb. It's almost exhausting watching them. Under Paul Tate's expert direction, this is quite an extraordinary show and anyone who was there should feel privileged to have seen it at such close hand at the Landor. But there's no question that it deserves a chance on a bigger stage.
Watch out West End.
By Beth Neil
(Daily Mirror)
Slick choreography by Richard Swerrun. A lively and entertaining night out. Deserves a longer run, or even a transfer!
(Musical Stages)
This show is an excellent excuse for the large cast to raunch, camp, vamp and grind to their hearts content! An outright success!
(Rogues and Vagabonds)
Brilliant! Amazing! It’s a must for everyone who loves musicals! A sure-fire hit! Wow! Wow! Wow!
(What’s On Stage)
Superb show! Great Cast! Excellent! I would recommend it four times over!
(My Clapham)
