REVIEW: The Ruby Slippers - Liverpool's Royal Court

What a fitting way to celebrate sexual diversity and gender nonconformity in advance of Liverpool Pride this weekend! Break A Leg Productions in association with Bill Elms presents The Ruby Slippers.

Written by Emma Culshaw and David Paul, directed by Craig Ryder and produced by Bill Elms, David Moorhead and Emma Vaudrey the two-act play tells of drag club The Ruby Slippers and the difficulties that it faces as closure looms. The writers explore the subject of change and particularly how the dynamics of relationships change. When the protagonist embarks on a period of self-discovery, transformation and growth, others go on the same journey – the audience included. The play is enjoying a two-week run at Liverpool’s Royal Court and hopefully audiences who see it will challenge their own behaviours and perceptions of sexuality, inclusion and acceptance of others.

From the outset, the energy is high. When Raz the owner of the Blackpool based drag club explodes onto stage emphatically dancing and lip-syncing to Katy Perry's Hot 'N Cold he captivated the audience. He was an absolute dynamo and the audience felt connected to him. James Rogerson plays the role of Raz with vibrancy and passion.

It quickly becomes evident that The Ruby Slippers is suffering financially due to the success of rival drag club (The 9inches). Raz is losing his staff and the financial impact on the club is proving catastrophic. We discover that Raz is in love with his flat mate and barman Ryan. When it appears that his feelings are unrequited, we witness Raz's dramatic response. He sinks into the depths of despair and starts drinking heavily to numb the pain of rejection.

The audience embark on a journey with Raz and Ryan and soon learn that Ryan has a secret: he is transgender. His predicament of being a heterosexual woman trapped in a man’s body being loved by a gay man is explored throughout the performance. By observing Raz’s extreme reaction, it holds the mirror up the observer and allows introspection, making them question how they would react if they were in a similar situation.   

The cast whilst small in number interact beautifully; each character significant and playing an integral role in the story. What they lack in quantity, they make up for in quality of performance. Jordan Simms (Phoenix) and Owen Richard Farrow (Destiny) were equally brilliant and hilarious. Jordan Simms executes the role of the endearingly naïve Phoenix with finesse.

Owen Richard Farrow (Destiny) & Jordan Simms (Phoenix) Photo Credit: David Munn Photography

The set was designed by Gemma Hollywood and was fantastic. With its Elizabeth Taylor memorabilia and references to Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, you really get a sense of being in a club with its eclectic mix of paraphernalia. The downstairs studio at the Royal Court certainly lends itself to an intimate performance. You feel as though you are voyeuristically observing the story as it unfolds like a fly on the wall. 

Through the powerful script, the writers convey brilliantly the seriousness of the situation that Ryan finds himself in. Perfectly fused with humour (adult in nature for the most part), the mood is lifted without diluting the power of the message surrounding the topic of being transgender. 

It’s interesting how Raz has created a safe space for members of the LGBT community to spend their time, however when the person that he loves reveals their true identity the fallout that ensues makes it anything but a safe space. We, the audience members felt safe in that space last night. It was a space to question our own assumptions and belief systems without judgement.

Jordan Simms (Phoenix), James Rogerson (Raz), Owen Richard Farrow (Destiny) Photo credit David Munn Photography

The Ruby Slippers is symbolic of being away from what is familiar, being in unchartered territory, a long way away from home, a place where the protagonist must lean on friends that come into their life along the way to embark on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. It symbolises breaking down stereotypes, being out of your comfort zone.  The topics are sensitively covered by the writers. They lighten the dark moments with injections of humour and quick wit. The characters realise quite quickly that they are not in Kansas anymore.

This is a story of loyalty. Destiny and Phoenix stand by Raz and continue to work at The Ruby Slippers despite the lure of the rival club. They treat Ryan / Rachel with compassion and help Raz to see things from a different perspective. The show highlights that prejudice exists even from within the LBGT community. Raz initially unleashes bigoted views on Ryan / Rachel however he eventually changes his outlook of sexuality and orientation. 

Debra Redcliffe delivers some fantastic dialogue throughout and nurtures the spirit of her beloved Ryan / Rachel. Emma Vaudrey plays Laura - an old school friend of Raz. She spends her time trying to convince Raz to sell The Ruby slippers to the local supermarket chain. He resists and later forms an alliance with her to keep the club open. Ryan and later Rachel are played by Kurtis Stacey who plays both roles with tenderness and enthusiasm. The interaction with him and his mother is wonderful to see. Phoenix and Destiny vibed off each other and interacted well with their cast members. 

Debra Redcliffe (Helen) & Kurtis Stacey (Ryan / Rachel) Photo credit David Munn Photography

Expect innuendo, slut-drops, catwalk competitions, Love Island references and even a magnificent Dirty Dancing re-enactment. It's emotional, it's sensitive, it's hilariously entertaining but also challenges the audience's own perception of change and dynamics of relationships. The power of love is tested. Loving someone is never easy regardless of their sexual orientation. It is a highly entertaining, thought-provoking show. 

The Ruby Slippers is the place where everyone can be themselves. It gives us a glimpse into what is possible in terms of inclusion and the opportunity for people to be authentically themselves.

It was a spectacular performance, a beautiful mix of tenderness and hilarity. It's a magnificent show which is powerfully delivered. If you get chance to watch this, click your heels together three times and get yourself to the Royal Cort Liverpool this week.

Cast: 

Raz - James Rogerson

Ryan / Rachel – Kurtis Stacey

Phoenix - Jordan Simms

Destiny - Owen Richard Farrow

Helen - Debra Redcliffe

Laura - Emma Vaudrey

The show runs at The Royal Court Liverpool until Saturday 28th July. Tickets can be purchased here 

Royal Court Theatre

0151 709 4321