Now you’ll have to forgive me for this is a well long overdue review of the show Transpose JOY: Pit Party. So let me take you on a journey.
Picture this. It’s a typical rainy (ish) day in London and I’m cycling through east London to get to the Barbican. But this is no typical day, it’s Trans Day of Visibility and I’m about to watch the wonderful production by Campbell X, CN.Lester and Tabby Lamb.
Along with my bestie, I grabbed some pink gins (yes I am that predictable) and settled in the front row for the show to begin. Now, I had no real expectations before the show as I tried not to read too much into it beforehand – this is so I could enjoy it organically.
The show is introduced first with a video piece of a number of powerful interviews of both the cast members and other key members of the community. It’s a strong start and sets the tone for the show.
The performers to take the stage for this edition of Transpose JOY were Mzz Kimberley, Felix Mufti and Ebony Rose Dark. During the course of the show this iconic trio take us through a series of different performances, from spoken word, lip syncs, dances and songs. It’s an eclectic mix of talents that brings what can only be described as pure JOY to the audience. We clapped along, sung our hearts out and shed a tear (or 3).
What’s more the show aims to be accessible to those with sight loss, with visual descriptions either before, during or after each section. Something I had never experienced before and thought was so well thought out and done.
As well as the joy, the queerness and the accessibility there were some other highlights for me. The main being Ebony Rose Dark’s dancing rainbow cock – need I say more? See the photos below that I managed to get of this iconic moment.
Another incredible part of the show was Felix Mufti’s spoken word and song pieces. It was the perfect mix of powerful words, epic twerking and on point fashion with them donning a number of wonderful Juicy Couture velour and diamante tracksuits.
And I cannot miss off a shout out to Mzz Kimberly. What a stage presence and what a voice. She is one of those performers who can demand the attention of the room without having to say a word – that’s when you know they’re gonna be good. Also since the show ended she has also been seen representing the trans community in the Queen’s Jubilee parade. ICONIC.
So if you haven’t guessed by now, I LOVED the show. I mean how can you not? I think it felt even more powerful and moving because we saw it on Trans Day of Visibility. I came away feeling so moved and so in awe of the talent we saw.
Speaking to CN.Lester, founder of Transpose, after the show was also really lovely. They were so pleased we enjoyed the show and when I asked if the show would be going anywhere else they were hoping for more funding – so here’s crossing all our fingers and manifesting it happens because if you’ve not seen it, you need to.
Rainbow dancing cocks, twerking, singing, dancing and pure queer joy – I mean what more could you want?
But fear not, whilst we wait for the next performance, the performers, writers and directors are still out in the world doing their thing and spreading their wonderful queer joy for all to see. You can check out their socials for what they’re up to next.
