Review: Leslie Jordan starring in Fruit Fly at the Leicester Square Theatre

Leslie Jordan starring in Fruit Fly

Leicester Square Theatre

Reviewed on Tuesday 12th March 2013 (Press Night)

Leslie Jordan’s Fruit Fly is a hilarious, unique and touching autobiographical one man show. It provides the audience with an insight into Leslie’s life, starting with when he was an eleven year old “choir boy slut” (his words not mine!), to making his first drag queen debut aged just seventeen and going on to have an extremely successful career as an actor and playwright.

The show was opened by The Supreme Fabulettes who took to the stage wearing glamorous, sparkly, sunset orange dresses, sky-high wigs and long, luscious eyelashes. I have watched them perform on numerous occasions prior to this and their vocals never fail to impress. I particularly enjoyed their rendition of Ain't No Mountain High Enough.

Entering the stage dressed in a red jacket and bow tie, Leslie Jordan was welcomed with a warm round of applause. The simple set consisted of just a chair and three screens which displayed genuine photographs to illustrate his anecdotes, gave Leslie plenty of room to confidently strut around the stage… and boy did he do just that! 

It is clear that his mother has always played a massive part in his life and allowed him to express his femininity as long as he “don’t show your daddy”, a catchphrase which Leslie mocked in a humorous high pitched Tennessee accent. 

The show is also very touching at points and I admire how Leslie openly spoke about such sensitive and personal issues. He spoke about the tragic passing of his father; however the lighthearted atmosphere is maintained as he reminisces over the happy times they spent together. 

Bursting with hilarious and heart-warming anecdotes, Leslie Jordan’s Fruit Fly is perfect if you are looking for a relaxed, fun and casual evening out, although some of his jokes are not for the faint hearted! Even as someone who did not know much about the man himself, I still found it highly entertaining and definitely feel like I know him now! 

Reviewed by Natasha Carr

natasha@westendframe.com

Leslie Jordan starring in Fruit Fly runs at the at the Leicester Square Theatre until Saturday 16th March 2013.

Please visit www.leicesterquaretheatre.com for further information and to book tickets.

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