“Where’s the Wild in This West?”
Diamonds and Dust is a theatrical cocktail of Wild West grit, Vegas decadence, and immersive cabaret, writes Luigia Minichiello.
At the centre of it all is Faye Tozer, trading chart-topping pop for poker chips as the fiery Miss Kitty LeRoy.
Billed as a tale of “The good, the bad and the lucky,” it channels Deadwood meets Moulin Rouge, Dita Von Teese appearing as Lady Luck brings top tier glamour—complete with Jenny Packham’s glittering costumes and Louboutin’s killer heels. Every detail screams high production.
I wanted to love Diamonds and Dust. The concept had promise: bold performances, a Western theme, beautiful burlesque, and a chance to dress up. But despite the polish, something crucial was missing.
The opening act stumbled. A disjointed song choice failed to set the tone, feeling more like a pub set than the launch of a high-octane West End spectacle. The transition into the story was muddy, and confusion lingered – especially at the interval, when guests began to leave, unsure if the show was over.
Steps star Tozer’s performance was no ‘ Tragedy’, it brought charm and some live vocals in her role as Kitty LeRoy, a sharp-tongued bar owner: “I’ve been on more laps than a napkin” was a standout line. Dita Von Teese as Lady Luck, looked every inch the icon as she rode in on a sparkling pink mechanical cow. Visually dazzling, yes, but more spectacle than substance.
The male ensemble – shirtless cowboys who kept their trousers firmly on – felt more filler than feature. They brought high energy dance but little variety. They were more Bermondsey builders on a night out rather than precision performers in a slick production. A brief aerial stunt on a chandelier hinted at more daring possibilities; why not build on that? Where was the finesse, the danger, the edge?
The show blends dance routines, lip-syncing, sequins and a fair amount of flesh. Yes, even burlesque has its limits, and I wondered if titty-fatigue is a thing. Aerial work and whip tricks offered glimpses of what the show could be, but those moments were fleeting.
The former Proud Late theatre has been revamped for the production, but tight seating made it hard to relax—or even rest a drink. The clatter of smashed glasses became part of the ambience. When the finale ended, furniture was whisked away for the club night that follows, killing any lingering magic with logistical chaos.
Diamonds and Dust teeters between cabaret and theatre without fully committing to either. If you’re after a glitter-soaked party with photo ops, you’ll find it here. But if you’re chasing innovation, edge and immersive storytelling, this one’s still a diamond in the rough.
Emerald Theatre until 28th September.
Booking and full details: https://www.westendtheatre.com/271355/theatres/emerald-theatre-london/
