Dick! Comes Again: Bigger, Longer, Harder! at Leicester Square

It requires unrelenting self control to not let slip a giggle or two when you find yourself face-to-face with this riotous pantomime in the West End.  Be prepared to lose any remaining innocence and dignity, rid yourself of reservation and seize Christmas by its baubles, for Dick! Comes Again: Bigger, Longer, Harder! has no mercy.

In the intimate lounge of the Leicester Square Theatre, performing a loosely-scripted piece following the infamous story of Dick Whittington, six unabashed actors-cum-comedians entertain an unassuming audience. Once begun there is no holding back. The full force of animalistic behaviour is realised from the beginning, and although there is a storyline hidden under the cussing, this is more of a comic cabaret sketch show than anything else.

That being said, the side-splitting humour from crude jokes, up-to-date references (think Robin Thicke and Miley Cyrus, or High-gella Lawson with her newly revealed recreational activities), and the lyrical genius (obsessed with genitalia) behind the songs, means this is definitely an act unlike any other.

The six cast members – ranging from a Drag Queen to a pussy (cat), from Dick, our hero, to a fairy aptly named ‘Bell-End’ (any doubt that the content of this show is NOT suitable for minors should be wiped clear by now) – sing and twerk their way heavy-handedly through the dialogue with confidence. Each character displays different comic value, but all with one thing in common – rude and crude, not suitable for prudes!

The dedication to entertaining their audience, and their surprising singing voices (such sweetness rising from such filth), give credit to an otherwise preposterous two hours spent under Leicester Square. Even seasoned audiences will be able to find escapism in Dick Comes Again: Bigger, Longer, Harder!, although 100 minutes later, they may be just looking to escape – especially from the x-rated props.

In terms of quality control, there is absolutely no control at all. But in jubilant Christmas spirit, accompanied by a group of friends (for moral support, shared jokes, and of course to nominate for audience participation), Dick Comes Again: Bigger, Longer, Harder! might just be the festive fix you are after. 

Jennifer Atkinson

Dick Comes Again: Bigger, Longer, Harder! is at the Leicester Square Theatre until 19^th January 2013. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.