"Outlawed"

Nottingham Nonsuch Studios.

Billed as a Drag and Cabaret Spectacular, we were made aware that the show contained adult content beforehand. I'd never been asked to review anything like this before, although reviewing Drag Cabaret isn't new to this reviewer, so I was all up for it when the offer came my way.

The name of the show itself gives rise (ooerr!) to the fact that it involves Robin Hood and Maid Marion, taking us from Nottingham all the way up The Brian Clough Way (double ooerr!!) to Derby and back again. The audience are invited to a Cabaret Night at the Royal Oak in Sherwood Forest by hosts Robin and Marion, complete with stage side cabaret tables and a glittery red backdrop. There we are treated to Friar Tuck'd drag personas and we discover The Sherriff of Nottingham's love of burlesque!

It's naughty and saucy, in fact everything you'd expect from an adult show. The jokes are likewise saucy but come on, we're all grown ups here.

Lucinda B Hind as Friar Tuck'd started us off with a performance of "Like A Prayer" that Madonna would love to perform, through several music choices including an hilarious version of Vikki Carr's "It Must Be Him", dressed as a nun, and the obligatory Shirley Bassey performance with my favourite remix of "Big Spender" from the "Get This Party Started" album. There's also an eye popping section of chair choreography by the Friar as well. And those shoes!!!

The Sherriff of Nottingham, PMBC, likewise, puts in an amazing performance. This is unlike any Sherriff of Nottingham that I've ever had the pleasure of meeting, but I think may be my favourite Nottingham Sherriff. With hair and make up that looks a cross between French chanteur Marielle Matthieu - look her up on Google - and Paul Stanley from Kiss, this Sherriff was busting out all over.

Robin Hood, portrayed by Lottie Manning under the drag name of Hunter Gatherer, has ambitions to go it alone after Robin gets a call to perform solo work in Derby, which of course does not go down well with Maid Marion. This means that this dynamic duo who run The Royal Oak Cabaret Club could be split up, which would mean financial problems for the club, but more importantly........ Derby? Could there be intervention to make the Derby debut disastrous? We also get to see Lottie's musical talents on the ukelele as an extra treat.

Maid Marion, portrayed by Solaya Sang, has several businesses on the go, but what would happen if Robin made a success with this solo venture, all Marion's hard work would be put in peril, so she makes a desperate deal with The Sherriff Of Nottingham. But was the decision that Maid Marion made, made in haste or did she have a little something tucked away?

Music wise there was a wide range, with songs from Madonna, Beyonce, Blondie, Elvis, Britney, 50 Cent to keep the party mood bopping along nicely.

There are some very clever, incredibly funny and silly interpretations and miming to hits like "I Know Him So Well", "I've Had The Time Of My Life", and another one of my favourite party tracks to close the whole show in "Shake Your Groove Thing". Everything musical, including the sound effects was operated by Little John.

Choreography wise there's also a lot to offer, especially with the Dirty Dancing favourite.

Directed by Edward Boott, this is one of the most outrageously funny Christmas shows in Nottingham this Christmas. The humour comes thick and fast and is completely original. There's audience participation but it does not involve any embarrassment to the chosen member of the audience. The show rolls on as smoothly as if it were on castors and I really did not want it to end, but if you're going to end, finish on a big note, and this show definitely ends with an explosive finale.

Drag is a very special form of entertainment, and I know the amount of work that goes into creating a Drag persona; I have several male and female friends who perform this art form. The make up, the costumes, the wigs, the personality all go into the mix for creating a successful Drag character, and I for one have loved seeing the rise in this performance art.

The Vivienne appeared in "Emmerdale" and was a contestant on "Dancing On Ice" and is due to tour with "The Wizard Of Oz". Baga Chipz and Ceri Dupree have toured and appeared at the Nottingham Arts Theatre in their own shows. Rupaul has grown from being underground to now being one of the most successful and recognised Drag artists, and "Drag race" now tours venues like the Nottingham Royal Centre.

"Outlawed" is a show that is naughty but very, very nice, and if you're all panto'd out with taking the kids to Christmas shows, come to the Cabaret and see this one with friends and partners for some frolicking festive fun. It's different and I loved it.

"Outlawed" is being performed at Nottingham's Nonsuch Studios until Friday 22 December. Go on, treat yourself.