BRITAIN'S Got Talent contestant Richard Bayton and fellow Grand Opera House employee Ben Papworth have dressed up to the nines in La Cage Aux Folles mode at The Black Orchid gentlemen's club in Toft Green to celebrate the Broadway musical's imminent arrival in York.
Ben, who works in the marketing department, says: "I’ve only been here two months and never expected this to be part of my job; it’s certainly different."
Front-of-house staff member Richard, on the other hand, loves any opportunity to pull on a costume. "Working in theatre has never been a drag until now," he jokes.
James Massie, whose make-up expertise transformed Ben and Richard into "queens for a day" for the photoshoot, intends to turn out for the flamboyant show in full costume. "I love this show and I love dressing up," he says.
Harvey Fierstein and Jerry Herman's 1983 musical follows the story of Georges, the manager of an infamous Saint Tropez nightclub, and his partner, drag artiste Albin, the club’s star attraction.
"Working in theatre has never been a drag until now," says Grand Opera House staff member Richard Bayton, pictured, right, with Ben Papworth, as they dress up to welcome La Cage Aux Folles to York. Picture: David Harrison
They live an idyllic existence in the south of France but behind the curtains of this sparkling extravaganza, all may soon change when Georges’ son, Jean-Michel, announces his engagement to the daughter of a notorious right-wing politician determined to close down the colourful local night-life. A meeting of the parents forces Georges and Albin to cover up their vibrant lifestyle, but can Albin play the role of his life to ensure that Jean-Michel may marry his love?
Produced by impresario Bill Kenwright and directed by Martin Connor, the first ever British tour of this Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical stars American actor Adrian Zmed as Georges and John Partridge as Albin, who moonlights as the club's star drag act, Zaza. West End leading lady Marti Webb plays Jacqueline, friend to Albin and Georges and owner of the restaurant Chez Jacqueline.
This lavishly humorous tale of unconditional love and family values features such songs as The Best of Times, Song On The Sand and I Am What I Am, a number recorded by the likes of Gloria Gaynor, Shirley Bassey and Tony Bennett.
La Cage Aux Folles will run at the Grand Opera House from May31 to June 3 with evening performances at 7.30pm and Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Tickets can be booked on 0844 871 3024 or at atgtickets.com/york
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