Calling all Lamingtons! The Hairy Godmother is back! This time, instead of a quest for true love, we’re being taken on a wicked exploration of what it takes to be a villain.
In Villains, our protagonist/antagonist, Vil is tired of society’s expectations. After a lifetime of conformity, she is on a mission to be a villain so that she can do what she wants. With the help of the Hairy Godmother, she summons various villains from the alternate Disneyverse for their counsel.
We are treated to visits from Maleficunt, Gash and Ursi, to name a few. While we expect numbers about being evil, they evolve into musical lessons about societal problems such as power, alpha prince behaviour and unrealistic body expectations.
This is The Hairy Godmothers’ signature modus operandi – poking musical fun while highlighting serious issues. We are here for it all, especially when it comes with powerful vocals, fabulous costumes and random back up dancers (aka unsuspecting audience members).
The ensemble have a few new faces in their line up and Charlie Darlington in particular was DIVINE as Ursi. Of course, Owen Merriman’s Hairy Godmother was my absolute favourite with his trademark ocker-isms and quick wit. It was a joy to watch him hijack the script with improvised jokes based on the audience’s prompts. In our session, he might have had a bit too much fun with one particular prompt but the audience didn’t mind one bit. I might have giggled too hard at watching his scene partners try not to crack up themselves.
I enjoyed Villains but I feel that it is pipped by the original Dizney in Drag parody. It isn’t as raunchy or over the top as I was expecting. Additionally, the songs just didn’t deliver the same punch as the first. I struggled to follow some of them in the first act.
Villains is still a fabulous romp. It’s a must watch if you’re a fan of Disney with a rebellious streak.
Get villainous with The Hairy Godmothers at Perth Town Hall until 2nd February. Their original show, is also playing for a limited time at the same venue.