(4 / 5)
I’ll preface this by saying – I went home after this show with the biggest smile, full of energy and under my flab, stomach muscles that hurt from laughter.
Every fringe, I look for the unplanned themes in the shows. Last year, there seemed to be a medieval theme. This year, I think it is either snails… or the noughties. As a teen of the noughties, and back then a HUGE Britney fan, when I saw Baby Lame, firstly on press emails and then towering across the cobbles in Pleasance Courtyard, I knew I had to see this and it would be something special.
When you first enter, you are confronted by the beautiful Baby Lame in all her Spears glory – head to toe in the signature school girl outfit, adorned with amazing drag make up and hair, she welcomes you like a old friends, bringing you in for a huge and air kisses, like she’s been waiting for you to arrive. You do get knocked slightly by the two sex toys she’s holding that have flashing lights inside but that only adds to the fun.
What we then embark on is absolute wonderful chaos. This is THE Britney Spears immersive experience. This is a retelling of Britney’s story – unauthorised and very loosely accurate. Audience participation is a MUST and don’t think you will get away with not being part of it. There are moments to call out, some are more involved as characters, we are crawled upon and there are group dance breaks. It is one hilarious party and I tell you, you WANT to be part of it.
But it isn’t for the faint hearted. It is rude. Crude. And just filthy, dirty genius. Every moment is hilarious, from the more subtle to the outlandish. There are so many surprising elements, key calls backs to specific events and drag icons and divas. Props galore help in telling the story and these are well thought out, planned, and, in themselves, just bring absolute humour.
BABY LAME: HIT ME BABY ONE MORE LAME! is the best night out you will ever have. Whether a Britney stan or not, this is total madness of a show that won’t stop you laughing or gasping at the next thing she does on stage.
