The Drowsy Chaperone @ Z Arts Centre

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Damn Good Fun!

SPEND YOUR MONEY



If you’re looking for a great night out, this is it. South Manchester AOS has chosen to showcase The Drowsy Chaperone; pure, fiery-blooded, satirical fun. 

The show is largely unknown, and that is a first-rate tragedy. A witty, sardonic look at one of the most loved genres of entertainment, The Drowsy Chaperone follows a middle-aged, single, exceedingly camp man as he relives his favourite (fake) musical. A fictional 1928 hit, the musical within the musical follows the most stereotypical cast through the most stereotypical plot, all whilst laughing uncontrollably at itself, and its genre. 

Kevin Proctor as "The Man in the Chair"


This stereotypical musical is brought to life by a clearly very passionate and talented cast. Whilst one might expect an amateur company to be “amateurish”, the reality could not be further from the truth.  Kevin Proctor as The Man in the Chair could rely on passé clichés of the gay, single musical lover, but navigates the character so well that it is in fact just comic, not gag-inducing.





No pseudo-1920s musical would be complete without vaudeville and tap-dancing, which from an amateur society, one might expect to be… below par? This production bucks the trend. Andrew Ryder as Robert and Anthony Sales as George deliver a stunning tap routine and the comic timing of gangster duo Oliver Pirk and Chris Drayton is comparable to Broadway. Leading lady Vicki Clarkson as The Drowsy Chaperone herself is riotous, natural and delivers an incredible vocal performance, rightfully outshining Kelly Harrington, who is a fabulous Janet Van De Graaff nonetheless.


A Cast Full of Sparkle, Talent & Passion


The long list of accolades each creative team member has to their name helps to explain the high-quality of this production. Choreographer Hannah Davis has left no corner of the stage bland, and the lighting design lent a West-End flair to a show that hinged on blackouts and comical highlights.

The full chorus numbers and musical flair is a credit to musical director John G. Barry, with a band who’ve got an ear for comedic timing. The quality of each musician was evident and elevated an already very enjoyable show to exceptional heights.

As said by The Man in the Chair, “it does what a musical is supposed to do!” 

The Drowsy Chaperone will run until Saturday 22nd October at Z Arts Centre. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.z-arts.org/ or on the door.