Words: Elodie Marriott 
Image: Meagan Harding

4 stars 

Tomás Kantor is charm personified. 

On the hunt for a sugar daddy in this queer cabaret reimagining of Pretty Woman (1990), Kantor-as non-binary Sugar-meets a Dick. Well, a Richard. Only the most charismatic storyteller could entice an audience to partake in an ‘Orgasm Choir’ at 4pm. Clearly faced with a natural-born performer, we’re more than happy to oblige. 

The lighting is expertly employed to make us empathise with Sugar’s unease at the gradual growth of Richard’s transphobia. Kantor’s physical comedy is captivating, plonking on the piano to imitate an axe-throwing date and intimately embracing a cello. It ensures the show stays humorous even as the story gets darker. But what’s most impressive is their vocals. Embellishing the tale with belters from Lorde, Dua Lipa, Bruno Mars, Chappell Roan, and even Macklemore, Kantor stuns with their unique interpretations. 

Ending by stressing the importance of supporting trans artists and stories, Sugar’s parting words urge us: “Babe, be too much.” 

Sugar
Checkpoint at Assembly Checkpoint
16:20 
17 -25 Aug