Drunk at the Bridewell

It is rare to find a production that makes the audience laugh to the point of tears, particularly one best described as a dance-drama. Swinging through heady personifications of the drinks we all love to indulge in and set in the glorious space of the Bridewell Theatre, Drunk is an explosion in every sense. From the musical monologues of Ice (played by Gemma Sutton), to the cabaret duet between Gin and Tonic (played by Katy Lowenhoff and Simon Hardwick, respectively), to a piece entitled Break the Seal about the social dilemma of drunken urination, this wild production never fails to engage. 

The cast and band are simply dripping with talent (and sweat), an ensemble piece in its purest form, in which each and every performer complements one another in a perfect balance. There is no weak link in this creative chain.

The set and costumes are ingeniously simple, but endlessly effective and versatile. The set consists of a basic bar, outlined by two metal frames, adorned with dressing room-esque light bulbs, used to elevate the space to a new level of performance. The costumes are mostly built up from a base layer of grey and silver, but the employment of an effervescent gold sequin shift for Champagne (Lowenhoff again) and an enticing green, embellished leotard for Absinthe (Anabel Kutay) really fit the bill.

Brimming with wit, social relevance, and heart-felt emotion, Drunk also takes a look at a cross-section of romantic relationships, as well as our relationships with ourselves. Where else have you seen a sharp, funny dance sequence poking fun at posh totty seamlessly meld into a nostalgic and passionate piece about a war-time gay romance, particularly executed with such finesse and effect? If you do anything this February, go and see this production. Like your favourite cocktail, Drunk is what you get with the perfect mix of talent, wit, and relevance. 

Phoebe Person

Drunk is on at Bridewell Theatre until 1^st March 2014, for more information or to book visit here.