Ladyboys Of Bangkok: Mile High (Tour – Manchester)

The Ladyboys of Bangkok are 16 transvestites drawn from the most popular nightclub in Thailand. Their act is made-up of dancing and miming to pre-recorded music.

This has generated considerable acclaim which is strange as poor old Britney Spears is currently getting criticised for doing the same thing. The difference is that for Britney it seemed like desperation for someone whose profession states singer, whereas the Ladyboys use the technique to achieve affirmation as well as to entertain.
 
Their latest show – Mile High -is produced and directed by Carol and Phillip Gandey with routines choreographed by Bandit Suriyanon. It opens with the nose of a cheesy polystyrene aeroplane overseeing a parade of Ladyboys done up as trolley dollies. After a series of comedic instructions to the audience, the show begins in fine style.
 
A regular feature of the show is the company performing approximations of pop videos by the likes of the Pussycat Dolls and Girls Aloud along with tributes to influences such as Abba. Each part of the set has a section which highlights the stunning costumes. “One Night in Bangkok” is a strange backing for a respectful display of traditional Thai costumes. The iconic and incredibly apt “I Am What I Am” is illustrated by a series of delicate butterfly-design dresses.
 
A medley is included in each section. The ‘Icons of the Century’ element is not entirely successful. The Elton John sequence moves us towards Peter Kay style parody and the choice is not always good- since when was Bon Jovi deemed an icon?

Unfortunate timing also does not help, as the inclusion of Take That draws ironic laughter, as the heavy traffic generated by the group’s concert delays the start of the Ladyboys. The passing of Michael Jackson is handled well with the dancer wearing a white mourning band to match his single glove.
 
The medley of moments from the movies is is more imaginatively realised. Moving from a faithful re-enactment of  “I’ve Had the Time of My Life” through a comedic interpretation of the potters’ wheel sequence in Ghost, it concludes with an athletic and muscular display that has the audience in raptures.
 
As well as reproducing the material of others the Ladyboys interpret  the pieces in their own special way. Both male and female parts of  “Send Your Love” are performed by a single Ladyboy in a half man/ half women suit. “My Way” – always a statement of identity – has even greater power when used to illustrate gender choice.
 
The Ladyboys of Bangkok blend dancing, comedy and spectacle to create a show that is perfect for anyone who has ever used a hairbrush to mime along to a song or played an air guitar. Which is probably most of us regardless of gender.

Great fun and worth a visit!

-Dave Cunningham