As the festive season approaches, London’s theatre scene begins to sparkle with the unmistakable magic of pantomime. This year, one show that’s already creating buzz is Wicked Witches, a fabulous drag pantomime playing at the Pleasance London this November through Christmas. I had the pleasure of chatting with Crayola the Queen, also known as Gigi Zahir – who brings a dazzling mix of villainy, charm, and queerness to the role of Adelphaba in this unique production.
You might recognise Crayola from her cabaret gigs or from opening for the incredible Chappell Roan – a moment she fondly recalls: “I’ve opened for Chappell Roan a couple of times which has been pretty cool and apparently I’m the person who felt like I gave her permission to call herself a drag queen for the first time, so that was kind of a fun thing to be involved in.” That kind of sparkle and mentorship shines through in Crayola’s work, and it’s exactly the kind of energy that Wicked Witches brings to the stage.
The show is a queer reinvention of the classic Oz story, set twenty years after Dorothy’s first visit. Crayola describes it as “definitely a little queerer than we may remember the story to be… it’s kind of its own story… it’s taking the characters in the world and then asking what other situation might we find them all in.” Expect topical jokes, memes, and even a K-Pop Demon Hunters number – yes, you read that right! The soundtrack is a vibrant mix, featuring everything from Adele moments to Lady Gaga and even a nod to Legally Blonde.
What makes Wicked Witches truly special is its dual nature: there’s a family-friendly version that inspires young audiences to love theatre, and an adult version that lets the performers truly let loose. Crayola explains, “I think the adult one just has us overtly saying some language and making some references to things that are less innuendo and are more explicit… definitely something to keep the late night crowd and people who like seeing that kind of more blue drag happy.”
This blend of tradition and queerness is what makes the show stand out. Pantomime has always been a space for gender play and camp, but Crayola points out the importance of authentic queer representation: “There’s something very authentic about having queer people stepping into a role that does kind of embrace and involve gender non-conformity… it’s not just making fun of a bloke in a wig… it’s actual queer people.” For young people especially, seeing performers who look and act like them can be a powerful, destigmatizing experience.
Crayola’s passion for the show and the art form is infectious. When I asked what she hopes audiences take away, she said, “The main objective of Panto is for people to feel good… I hope their cheeks hurt from laughing, I hope the kids feel inspired, and I hope the people who come to the adult version feel mildly scandalised – that’s the goal.”
If you want to experience the sparkle, sass, and heart of Wicked Witches, tickets are available now for the family-friendly show at the Pleasance London and for the adult version here. Don’t miss your chance to see this queer pantomime that’s as much about fun as it is about representation.
As Crayola puts it, “I think pantomime is such a gift to inspire young people to go to the theatre… and to give them that… really positive queer role models.” This Christmas, Wicked Witches is that gift wrapped up in glitter, music, and a whole lot of wicked fun.