Review: Death Drop: Back In The Habit at The Opera House is “hilarious, and not for the faint-hearted”

After three sold-out West End runs and a UK tour, Death Drop is back with a whole new show.

Starring some famous faces from the world of RuPaul, Drag Race stars from the US and UK are trading lipsyncing for seriously gritty, hard-hitting acting. Oh no, they’re not! Death Drop is set in St Babs convent, with some seriously saucy nuns and plenty of tongue-in-cheek gags. This show is not for the faint-hearted or easily offended, and has 18+ content from the very beginning. It’s like one long Drag Race maxi challenge, but ten times better.

The show opens when you meet Father Alfie Romeo, played by Louis Cyfer, as he is sent to St Babs convent to discover the secret treasure hidden there. He is warned that there are some suspicious goings-on happening to the Sisters at St Babs, and he is instructed to find out what, or who, is behind it all. Father Alfie is one of the five main characters you meet during the show and Louis, a well-known northern drag king, plays the role perfectly. They are charismatic and witty, and delivered every line on time, even when being squirted with fake blood.

The Sisters of St Babs are multi-talented Drag Race stars. Their Mother superior, Sister Mary Kimberly Woodburn, is none other than the hilarious Victoria Scone. They are the protector of the three young nuns, helping to keep them on the path towards all that is good and holy.  Sister Maria Julie Andrews is played by the iconic Jujubee, of drag race fame. The ditzy young nun has absolutely no idea where she is or what she’s doing, and Jujubee plays this well. No shade. She just wants to live out her sound of music fantasy. Her sisters, Sis Titis, played by Kitty Scott Claus and Sister Mary Berry, played by Cheryl Hole are the two blonde bombshells. Together, they all come to help stop Father Romeo from shutting down their convent.

The story is easy to follow, and like all good murder mysteries, it does keep you in suspense. The writer Robert Evans nails each character perfectly, showcasing the queen’s acting abilities while letting their personalities shine through. There are plenty of fourth wall breaks too, which get a good giggle from the audience.

As does the continuous comedy miming as they ‘run’ through the corridors of the convent. Jujubee and Louis act this scene perfectly, with Jujubee walking on the spot and Louis then breaking the fourth wall asking what the f*** she is doing. There are plenty of Drag Race references and classic pop songs. Sister Mary Berry almost breaks out into Running up that hill while trying to remember the Lord’s prayer. The stage remains the same throughout, with the addition of great horror-style strobe lighting and smoke machines to add spooky vibes when needed.

Overall, the show is just ridiculous, in the best way. If you’re a fan of comedy theatre this one is absolutely for you. And of course, Cheryl Hole does a death drop. This show is for everyone, and Mother Superior even says at the end, everyone is welcome, as long as you’re not a Terf or a Tory. Amen.

Death Drop: Back In The Habit is at the Manchester Opera House until the 12th of March.

You can get tickets here.