Review: Heels Off, Kettle On

Proud Watford has become a hugely important cultural force in Watford, promoting inclusion and diversity through a range of artistic and cultural events, from Queer Karaoke and Quingo, to the moving play Three Proud Men.

Heels Off, Kettle On is the latest string to their bow. It follows the story of Michelle Davidson, a proud transwoman who bravely and warm-heartedly draws us into the challenges and triumphs of her own transition journey. As the title suggests, the mood is relaxed and casual. The set is reminiscent of a 70s living room with patterned wallpaper, a proper pot of tea on a table with red checkered cloth, and a trio of flying ducks on the back projection. The phrase comes from Michelle's own experience of nights out with the girls, who once home would throw off their shoes, get the water boiling and settle in for a good gossip. The whole night felt like you were being generously invited into that inner sanctum.

Dame Tina Lake, Watford's most popular drag queen, takes on the role of host. Played by Brian Timberlake, who at 92 is still as twinkling and mischievous as ever, Lake is a delightful and theatrical stage presence. With a series of thoughtful questions, Lake guides Davidson through her narrative, prompting insights and teasing out touching and often funny reflections and memories. Lake is a tour de force. Not only did she look resplendent and regal, but her comic timing and rapport with the audience is second to none. She even brought music to the show, delivering a few popular gay anthems (I Am What I Am, This Is My Life, Somewhere) with gentle lyrical twists that made them fit perfectly into the story. Her 'man' Pierre is another source of merriment, their ribald interactions becoming a running gag and Pierre's ultimate appearance on stage revealing a stellar piece of local casting that tickled the audience pink!

Davidson was utterly captivating, telling her story in a way that touched the heart and reminded us that life isn't about labels, it's about people. The Q&A session afterwards made it clear how tense and heated the public discourse around transsexuality has become in recent years, especially on social media. Davidson cut through all that debate with characteristic pragmatism and humanity, standing up for the values we should all share of kindness, respect and acceptance.

This is the second outing for Heels Off, Kettle On which premiered at Watford Fringe 2025, and though I understand director Ian Port has made a lot of improvements, there is still work to do on increasing pace, smoothing out the narrative and landing the moments of high emotion. Both performers were heavily reliant on their scripts, which caused the show to stagger and falter at times. But at all times Davidson's and Lake's personalities shone through, and I very much hope on it's third incarnation (which it utterly deserves!) a structure might be found which allows a more natural and spontaneous conversation to flow, unimpeded by the weight of the printed word. It was in the moments of genuine and unscripted connection that the story really soared.

Davidson's story is unique but also universal, and in telling it she has provided a much needed reminder that while we are each so different, we are also so alike, and at the end of it all the only thing that really matters is love. An essential message in this divided climate, and a beautiful story that resonates with sincerity, resilience and heart.