The Lady Boys of Bangkok Red Hot Kisses, Wales Millennium Centre Review
The Lady Boys of Bangkok
Red Hot Kisses
Wales Millennium Centre
5-14 June 2014
Reviewed by Lee-Anne McCarthy
So when I was asked to review the Lady Boys of Bangkok I was slightly nervous but also a little intrigued into what the show was all about. Reading around the information about their new show Red Hot Kisses it seemed like a perfect ladies night out. So, I, an exhausted mum to 2 year old twins called an equally exhausted mum of a toddler to have a night off and watch a show that was most certainly not one we’d ever experienced.
When I received the show tickets I found that it was being held in the Sabai Pavillion. I was a little confused as I was unaware of its existence. It was only when I arrived at the show I realised where the show would be held. The Lady Boys bring with them their own performance tents that had pride of place right outside the Millennium Centre in the Roald Dahl Plas. At the entrance we were greeted by friendly and helpful security staff who asked to just check our bags. This wasn’t an issue or invasion just a very quick check that we were more than happy to do. As we entered the show tents we were first hit by the smell of the most beautiful Thai food. In the foyer area there is a food stall, bar and gift shop. It was a nice place to binge on the run up to the show. Food and drink could be taken into the main show tent. In the foyer tent there was even a fun board like the ones you find at the seaside to put your heads and have a picture. My friend and I couldn’t help but have a go at becoming the newest members of the Lady Boys cast.
In the main show tent is set up in tables and we were perfectly positioned centre stage. Each table sat 8 people it would be ideal for a big gang of friends looking for a night out of fun together. However even for us sharing with people we didn’t know was great fun and not at a problem at all. The seating in some areas was a little cramped together and may have been a little more awkward for others to move around during the show. There is definite air of glitz and glam around the pavilion and definite eastern theme.
The show itself was fantastic. It was an array of glamorous costumes and colour that sparkled the moment the curtains opened. The Lady Boys were absolutely, incredibly beautiful and I was completely amazed if not a little, I lie, very envious of their amazing physiques, hair and general beauty. There was much talk in the interval of how many, especially women, couldn’t believe these beautiful ladies were in fact men. In the show there was a real mix of musical numbers that showed of some of the talented dancing and beauty of the Lady Boys, and comedy sketches that had the audience roaring with laughter. The audience sang along to many very well know song and many people got up to dance or simply clapped along. There was a little audience participation during the show and sometimes that participation may have made the more reserved individual a little uncomfortable however I myself wasn’t at all phased by it. It would seem however that the participation was mainly directed to the male members of the audience so any gentleman viewers looking to attend for the evening this is not a show for the faint hearted. I left the show having had a fantastic night of lightened humour and fun. This would make a perfect night out for anyone who is open minded and happy to laugh out loud.
We had an absolute scream. It was great night full of rip roaring belly laughs. We give this show a glitzy and glamorous 4/5.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £19.50 to £34 (plus £1 booking fee).
The Lady Boys of Bangkok: Red Hot Kisses is at the Wales Millennium Centre until 14 June. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 029 2063 6464.
Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place, Cardiff Bay, CF10 5AL | 029 2063 6464
