sound of the underground

Created by Travis Alabanza and Debbie Hannan
Royal Court Theatre.

“Ladies, Gentlemen, and then all the legends that have realised gender is a trap – introducing the Sound of the Underground.” 

Out to the electric night, where the bassline jumps in the backstreet light. The true sound of the underground is tearing duct tape, frenzied costume fixes, lighting up cigarettes, jangling tips and a whole lot of chaos. This is not your average night at the theatre.

Legends of the London queer club scene come above ground to take over the Royal Court Theatre. Part-play, part-raucous cabaret, part-workers’ manifesto, join eight underground drag icons as they spill the tea, free the nipple and fight the shadowy forces that threaten their livelihoods. Bring some change. Tip generously.

CAST:
CHIYO
Lilly SnatchDragon
Ms Sharon Le Grand
Mwice Kavindele as Sadie Sinner The Songbird
Rhys Hollis as Rhys’ Pieces
Sue Gives A F*ck
Tammy Reynolds as Midgitte Bardot
Wet Mess

Writer: Travis Alabanza
Co-creator and Director: Debbie Hannan
Co-designers: Max Johns and Rosie Elnile
Lighting Designer: Simisola Majekodunmi
Sound Designer & Composer: Alex Faye Braithwaite
Musical Supervisor, Composer & Arranger: Martin Lowe
Movement Director: Bambi/Omar Jordan Phillips
Assistant Director: Femi Tiwo
PA to the Director: Pia Richards-Glockner
Associate Designers: Tomas Palmer and Jacob Lucy

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 'Exhilarating. Breathtaking costumes, radical politics and filthy humour. A sheer joy to watch.' The Guardian

★ ★ ★ ★ 'Triumphantly queer. If you’ve ever felt unrepresented on stage, take a trip underground.' Time Out.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 'Delightfully dazzling. An angry, passionate and defiant cry for recognition.' Liam O'Dell

★ ★ ★ ★ 'Beautifully outrageous. This is an evening of party, celebration and confession.' The Stage

'A rude, raucous, smartly questioning yet celebratory dive into London’s queer club scene. It’s cogent, fascinating and necessary to hear.' The Times

Photography by Helen Murray.