In the underworld, meets a post apocalyptic, sci fi existence, the unlikely friendship of Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I meet, in a zombie/un-dead state along with Penthesilea and Valkyrie. This bizarre but fantastical story is every element thought provoking, chaotic and camp.

Stuck in limbo, these matriarchs have an almost symbiotic relationship – love and hate, dependant and independent, they touch upon history and pop culture to bring a discussion of appropriate rule within the patriarchy and modern world.

Our main Queens are drag artists, balding heads and darkened teeth, they are hammed up versions of historical portrayals with attention to detail such as the blood under Mary’s pearls. The two are opposites – appropriate in Scotland – Mary is in white and Elizabeth in black. Not only does this feel like a nod to Scotland but against the grain of the virginal Queen versus the evil Scottish usurper. Unsurprisingly from this, Elizabeth becomes wild and unruly, creating a juxtaposition of characters.

It is no surprise that the group are from Berlin and so the no holding back breaking of barriers, absurdity and level of camp fills every bit of the production and it is brilliant. However, there are elements that sometimes are either too complicated or wild that there are certainly gaps of understanding and loss on a British audience. Its crudeness again aims to shock and for the average audience, this works – the uneasy giggling amongst, but it is also Bouffon – shown in their garments and padding all the way to the taboo.

QUEENS encapsulates Berlin LGBTQI+ culture, with the crudeness of a drag show, meeting punk and thoughtful commentary on patriarchy, history and popular culture. A brilliant show but perhaps more of a knowledge of this culture is needed for audiences to alleviate the gaps in energy.