by Zahid Fayyaz

This is a modern day take on an old-fashioned drag act, located at the lovely Crazy Coqs venue underneath Brassiere Zedel in Piccadilly Circus. Randy Roberts, who has been doing the act for decades, had the act finely honed in this, the first of three nights in London.

Starting with a vibrant version of Lizzo’s ‘About Damn Time’, the musical aspect of the act is a strong highlight of the evening. He gives great impersonations of Bette Midler and Cher, with versions of the latter’s covers of ‘Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ and ‘Believe’ standing out from the rest of this section. There is also time for audience banter, old school dirty jokes, and political sideswipes at the bigoted American right in between the songs. The Sondheim song ‘The Ladies Who Lunch’ and set conclusion ‘Music of The Night’ show a powerful voice that would belong on any of the the nearby West End stages. There is a charisma to the performance which certainly keeps the audience entertained throughout.

Some the American references do go over the audience’s head. However, overall it was a
fabulously entertaining show, with a lot of heart, warmth and laughter, and well worth
watching next time he’s over in London. It would not be a wasted night.

Randy Roberts runs through 16 September.

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