A GINGER DRAG QUEEN. A GINGER REVIEWER. A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN OR A GINGER OVERLOAD?

By Tanya Howard | Founder, The Live Review London · @glamglitzlondon ⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

Walking into Soho Theatre, I must admit I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from Ginger Johnson Blows Off. Like many, my experience of Ginger was shaped by her winning stint on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. A series of challenges and carefully edited TV moments, it’s very different to a solo 70-minute performance at the theatre.

Right off the bat, the concept of the show threw me for a loop. Ginger presents herself as a daredevil, swapping her crown for a crash helmet. After achieving her dream of winning RuPaul’s Drag Race, she is ready to come up with a new dream. It’s a quirky setup but one that left me unsure to begin with.

A lot of the humour was based on fart jokes, which don’t get me wrong cracks me up, but is not what I’ve come to expect from a drag performance. Then again, how do you know what to expect from a solo show after being used to seeing someone on short tv episodes or attending drag brunches. So, I kept an open mind and can confirm my opinion changed by the end.

As the show progressed, I found myself loosening up and laughing along with the rest of the audience. Ginger’s natural charisma shone through, especially during her interactions with the audience. A particular highlight was a clever trick involving an audience member, though it did feel a little stretched out. However, her comedic timing and improvisation did keep things lively.

The end of the show was a delightful surprise, not only a big finish but also a heartfelt message. The blend of absurdity and sincerity is what ultimately won me over. Ginger’s ability to balance out her dramatic stunts with genuine passion for drag and community made the experience feel more well-rounded by the end.

Ginger Johnson Blows Off has a three-week residency at Soho Theatre until Saturday 12 October before starting a UK tour on Thursday 17 October.

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