What do you get when you mash together drag, pantomime, and an action classic like Die Hard? At COLAB Tower, the answer is Dead Hard, a chaotic, glitter-drenched panto thatās as quirky as it is imperfect. Yippee Theatre clearly set out to deliver festive fun, and while the show doesnāt quite hit every mark, itās undeniably unique.
The evening kicks off with an interactive office party that nails the awkward cheer of every workplace bash. There are silly games, dance-offs, and a chance to mingle with the cast, who do their best to get everyone into the spirit. Alex Dowdingās John McClean strikes the perfect balance of campy action hero and lovable goof, while Toby Osmondās Hands Grubby takes his pantomime villainy to gloriously over-the-top heights. Itās messy, but it works.
A glitter-drenched romp through festive absurdity
The drag performances are a definite highlight, bringing sass, sparkle, and energy that elevate the production. But as the show shifts from its immersive opening into more structured storytelling, some of the magic starts to fade. The humour leans heavily on slapstick and innuendo, which can be hit or miss, and a few scenes feel stretched longer than necessary. That said, the castās enthusiasm keeps things engaging, even when the pacing lags.
COLAB Towerās unique setting adds an intimate touch, with the creative staging making clever use of the space. Itās a show that thrives on its audience connection, and while the transitions could be smoother, the environment helps maintain the immersive vibe.
Final Thoughts ā ā ā ā
Would I recommend Dead Hard? Yes. If youāre a fan of drag, camp, and the kind of theatre that doesnāt take itself too seriously, thereās plenty to enjoy here. Itās a fun, messy celebration of festive absurdity that might leave you scratching your head – but hey, youāll be covered in glitter. And isnāt that what the seasonās all about?
Playing at the COLAB Theatre until 12 January 2025.
Disclaimer: A complimentary ticket was provided in return for an honest and unbiased review.
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