The Clowns are back in town with Fatt Projects’ Unpopular, bringing chaos, big drag energy and insanely talented vocals to this musical revue proving that their future is unlimited. The audience are reminded throughout that this is not a theatre show, it is a low budget, albeit creatively charged, drag show that just happens to be staged in a theatrical space. 

Like their previous shows, Unpopular’s first act gives each of the clowns the opportunity to show off their vocals and humour with stirring political undertones; this time concentrating on the thematically problematic mega-musicals and their characters, such as Miss Saigon, Hamilton and the ultra-niche, Jekyll and Hyde. The vocals from the cast throughout are  commanding and emotive- particularly Fatt Butcher’s This is the Moment  and Alanna Boden’s The Movie in My Mind whilst Blü Romantic and Dahliah Rivers equally soar with their camp and hilarious interpretations from  Hamilton and The Little Mermaid, respectively. 

Act two continues with their well-established formula of a 20-minute (ish…)  abridged version of a mega-musical, and this time they’re through accepting limits ‘cause someone says they’re so, it’s Wicked’s turn to get the Clown treatment. Think (in the best way possible) being in a house as a teenager with fellow thespians, finding any materials you can for props and combine that with bawdy humour and powerhouse vocals- this is what you’re getting here but like a dream after consuming copious amounts of cheese. 

As with their previous production at Hope Mill Theatre in 2025, the show suffers with missed cues throughout but, as with last time, this all adds to the charm when the charismatic cast’s awareness of their show turns each of these mishaps into a running joke that brings the audience along for the ride. You never feel anything other than in safe hands; the creative team know who they are, what they want to achieve and do so with integrity,  insight and capability. With a little finesse in structure, this could be the definition of drag perfection.  

Send in the Clowns: Unpopular plays at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre until Wednesday 18^th February before continuing to Bristol and Stoke – don’t miss out on a night of satire, vulgarity and pure talent. Further information and booking details can be found here.

Tickets received in exchange for a review. #AD