“The Lady & The Camp” is a popular live entertainment show in Blackpool. It features Miss Amber (“The Lady”) and Paul Morgan (“The Camp”). You can catch their regular Sunday afternoon performances at The Flying Handbag, a well-known LGBTQ+ venue located on Queen Street
Review by Richard Lambert
If you’re looking for a couple of hours of pure, unashamed fun, The Lady and the Camp, starring Paul Morgan-Trumper and Miss Amber, is an absolute must-see.
This high-camp whirlwind of a cabaret show is packed with clever ideas, huge energy, fabulous choreography and oodles of talent. And, as the title suggests, these two performers certainly aren’t taking themselves too seriously. What you get is cheeky, joyful entertainment delivered with the confidence, skill and technical physical comedy that comes from a lifetime of performing.
The choreography is terrific. Their experience shines through in every movement, but it’s their comic interpretation of the musical numbers that really makes the show.
The comedy doesn’t just stay on stage and they certainly make the most of the space. The stage is small, so they simply extend the performance onto the pub’s nightclub-style dance floor, turning the whole room into their playground.
Then there are the costumes. They are absolutely to die for! I counted at least 30 costume changes – and I’m sure I missed some. Quite how they organise all of that backstage is a feat of its own. Every outfit is perfectly chosen to complement the music, the style of the number and, of course, matching each other.
Even the moments between numbers have been thought through. Carefully selected music sets you up for what’s coming next, while the nightclub-style lighting creates anticipation before the pair emerge in yet another fabulous look.
The show is performed in two acts with an interval, running from 5pm to 7pm, making it the perfect Sunday afternoon/evening treat. And perhaps best of all… it’s completely FREE!
Hosted at the Flying Handbag, there are drinks at the bar and food, including roasts, available from the kitchen. My advice? Get there early. The place fills up quickly, with every seat taken and latecomers left standing.
It’s camp, it’s funny, it’s energetic, it’s beautifully performed – and it’s clearly made with enormous love for entertaining an audience.
The Lady and the Camp is performed every two weeks, and it really is not one to miss. Get yourself to the Flying Handbag and enjoy two hours of fabulous, feel-good entertainment!
Costumes: Showcase international
Choreography: Paul Morgan-Trumper
Additional choreography: Miss Amber
Created by Paul Morgan-Trumper and Miss Amber
The Flying Handbag: click here