Review: Swamplesque – Assembly Hall

There may not be another show quite like Trigger Happy’s Swamplesque. Blending body-positive burlesque, dance, comedy, and drag into a loving Shrek parody just isn’t an idea prone to popping up more than once in a generation.

Fortunately, it works. The sheer energy of the cast is impressive, and infectious. Those for whom the mix of chart hits and remixes hit their culture G-spot are fated to whoop and holler from beginning to end. Is it sexy? Sort of, but for all the flesh revealed throughout the dominant feeling is more playful than erotic.

If the entire venue breaks out into one big dance party, don’t be surprised.

“The sheer energy of the cast is impressive, and infectious.”

In terms of the show, it follows the first Shrek movie pretty faithfully, albeit abridged to the parts where the principal cast began to peel their breeches off. Don’t remember those bits? Don’t worry, Swamplesque will remind you through a mix of sharply lip-synced dialogue and a touch of excellent clowning.

Whether it’s Trigger Happy in Shrek’s iconic green face, pirouetting through a coquettish revelation of their wondrous tummy, or the funny-boned Bebe Gunn bringing a dragon with attitude, you’ll know which fictional character is taking their corsets off, and clap along merrily.

Is this a show which will reward you for a prosecco or two beforehand, yes. Are they necessary? Not at all. The show is structured such that each performer is a hyper-person for the one that follows. Thus by the end of the show, hype levels are at a giddy level.

So when Christian Nimri takes the stage as a roller-dancing glitterball (he’s the man in the mirror – so expect Michael Jackson and moonwalking) the crowd is ready to bathe in his sparkling aura. When the utterly charismatic Bettie Bombshell strides on stage upon her knees as Lord Farquaad, it’s all her chosen targets can do not to swoon when given the finger.

” Thus by the end of the show, hype levels are at a giddy level. “

Raising the talent-threat levels even higher is the sensational Tash York, who can really belt out a Queen (how apt) song on demand.

Indeed, Swamplesque is a show reliant on the talent of its performers, and their – or their friends’ – tailoring skills. Their highly removable costumes do evoke the beloved characters of Dreamworks’ 2001 animated masterpiece, but there’s no staging otherwise.

I suspect the show wouldn’t play quite so triumphantly to those without memories of the movie, but then the show doesn’t pretend to be anything else than a homage. If you buy a ticket, you know what you’re getting. On the other hand, it does get a little repetitive here and there – there really are only so many ways you can remove sackcloth and tabards.

Nevertheless, as Christmas offerings go, it doesn’t get more suitable for late-night office party revelry than Swamplesque. If you have any particularly shy colleagues, avoiding the front row is advised. The performers don’t bite, but they will seek victims to delight with a little participation. Conversely, those for whom the front row at a comedy night is just the adrenaline rush you seek, get on down there!

No matter your seating preferences, dear reader, If you go down to the swamp (I doubt the Assembly Hall has ever been called such), this Christmas, you’re sure of lots of big surprises – with tassels on.

Featured Image: Trigger Happy in Swamplesque – Credit: The Swamplesque Team