It's Raining Men @ Darlington Civic

It’s Raining Men – Hallelujah

Since The Full Monty there have been many attempts to recreate the earthy realism, coupled with real humour and an insight into the lengths people will go to earn a few extra pounds.  The boom time of the early 2000’s reduced the need for people to be inventive around making a quick buck, but with the current austerity measures starting to bite hard, stories abound on how people have been forced to be more creative in their money making ventures.

Raining Men is set in a club which, as Halloween nears, realise that they have no act for the special night.  Cue Doug the DJ, Phil The Bouncer (sorry, Door Security) and Colin the Barman to step in and put on a show of their own.  Bringing together the fabulous talents of Michael Cross, Andrew Ryan and Patric Kearns, Raining Men takes everything that was good about the Full Monty, shoe horns it into a size 7 6” stiletto and wraps it in a sequined off the shoulder Shirley Bassey styled frock.

The first act gives very little suggestion as to the glittering array of sheer camp-ness that is to follow, we are given the story around why the club needs the act, how the owner is a less than trustworthy custodian and how Phil feels that drag acts would seriously attack his Rambo-esque masculinity.  After the break we are transported to the show night itself which is a never-ending laugh-fest.  There are costume changes that would rival any West End musical, parodies of the Spice Girls, Lady Gaga, Madonna and Abba and audience participation which left everyone gasping for breath.

This show was one of the best Friday nights I have spent in years – great characters, great music, simplicity done to perfection.  A hilarious, sparkling, naughty evening, featuring music from the likes of Barbra Streisand, Shirley Bassey and Judy Garland, with a chance to join in the fun and win up to £100 000!

It is true that the show is perfect for hen parties and girly nights out but I defy any heterosexual man who enjoys music and can laugh at genuine comedy not to have a great time too.   Be warned: this play is strictly for adults only with strong language and adult content from the start but hey, that's what makes club nights.