Stage: John Partridge stars in a new tour of La Cage Aux Folles
May 1986, The London Palladium, and La Cage Aux Folles opens, hot from Broadway and starring American legend George Hearn and British star Dennis Quilley. This was the musical that had taken Broadway by storm, based on the French comedy film of the same name. It was fun, flippant and as camp as the proverbial row of tents, but it also carried a strong and important message about homophobia, and about morals. It was not the first musical to have a strong political underbelly, South Pacific had done that many years earlier, but this, set in a glamorous St Tropez was about to introduce a whole new world to drag and the gorgeous Cagelles led by Zaza were poised ready to do just that.
It probably didn’t further the cause of homosexuality but it certainly introduced a mainstream audience to an art form that had certainly been in the entertainment closet for many years. Okay, British audiences had see Danny La Rue, but Danny had always distanced himself from hardcore gay culture and his act was far more music hall than anything else.
La Cage also introduced what was to become one of the most iconic of gay anthems, I Am What I Am, has been sung by so many performers, some knowing what the song is really about and many unaware of that real coming out proud story. Who cares, it’s a great show stopping number in a show packed with great songs.
Now a new revival is coming to town starring John Partridge who will play the iconic role of ‘Albin’, who moonlights as star drag act Zaza at the infamous La Cage aux Folles nightclub. Partridge’s theatre credits include the West End productions of A Chorus Line, Cats, Starlight Express and Chicago. He is also well known for playing the loveable Christian Clarke in BBC’s EastEnders and as a judge on TV’s Over The Rainbow.
For some of us buttering toast will never be the same again
Adrian Zmed will play ‘Georges’, lover of Albin and owner of the nightclub. Zmed co-starred with William Shatner as ‘Officer Vince Romano’ in the ‘80s hit TV show T.J. Hooker, and played ‘Johnny Nogerelli’ in the cult classic film Grease 2, then alongside Tom Hanks in comedy Bachelor Party. This will be his first stage appearance in the UK although he is no stranger to Broadway musicals having previously led the casts of Grease, no fewer than 3 times, Falsettos and Blood Brothers.
One of the West End’s most revered leading ladies’, TV star and recording artist Marti Webb will play ‘Jacqueline’, friend to ‘Albin’ and ‘Georges’, and owner of the restaurant ‘Chez Jacqueline’. Webb has played leading roles in numerous West End and touring musicals including Evita, Godspell, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Blood Brothers, Oliver, Oklahoma, 42nd Street, and Half-a-Sixpence.
This show is a thought provoking musical romp packed with great comedic moments, for some of us buttering toast will never be the same again, and challenging ideas too about homophobia and gender roles and prejudice.
La Cage Aux Folles
Theatre Royal Brighton
15 – 26 August
www.atgtickets.com/brighton*
0844 871 7650*
*Booking fees apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge
