Tarantino Live Review: Expect Kills, Thrills, & Riveting Tunes at London’s Action-Packed Musical

If you adore Tarantino’s works, then we’re sure you have a favourite female character, whether it’s Pulp Fiction’s Mia Wallace with her iconic black bob and effortless jive, or the titular flight attendant Jackie Brown with her tough as nails disposition. The overarching narrative brings these memorable female characters together in the form of the ‘Fox Force Five’, a team of superwomen fighting back against the Tyranny of Evil Men. Will Mia, Jackie, Fabienne, Butterfly, and Nikki beat these deadly foes and win? You will need to watch the musical yourself to find out - no spoilers here!

As soon as the live band kicks off and the show begins, it won’t take long for you to be whisked away into Tarantino’s universe. You see, this is a musical that doesn’t shy away from homage. From beginning till end, your senses will be bombarded by quotable, word-to-word dialogue and faithful scene recreations, as well as epic soundtrack choices making it hard to resist getting up from your seat to dance. Like many of Tarantino’s films, the show is also split into chapters, each one focusing on different films, characters, and themes. 

If there’s one reason to see this show, it has to be for the music. Stand-out performances come from Lifford Shillingford as Pulp Fiction’s Marsellus with a soulful, piercing voice you can feel in your bones, Karen Mav as Jackie who is the true definition of a powerhouse vocalist, and Cleo Catano as Butterfly who performs a truly majestic version of flamenco tune Malagueña Salerosa. While you admire these vocal performances, you’ll also see the actors weave in and out of the audience as they dance or run away, turning the show into a 360-degree experience that draws you into their world.

Before all of the action commences, you have the chance to enhance your experience with the production’s pre-show theatre menu. In true Tarantino style, the offering comes with a big burger and Kill Shake of your choice. We went for the Royale With Cheese (their vegan option) packed with a meatless patty, melted vegan cheese, delicious beetroot hummus, onion, tomato, and lettuce for some crunch - a mouth-watering treat that really makes you feel like you’re sitting in the famous Jack Rabbit Slim's restaurant.

Drinkwise, the Kill Shake Vol. 1 was an indulgent delight with its strawberry sauce and slight bitterness from the kick of vodka. Apart from the creamiest milkshakes, you could even grab a themed cocktail; each one nodding to one of Tarantino’s films. With clever names such as Mr. Pink’s Paloma, Bud’s Blended Margarita, and Polynesian Pearl Diver, you certainly need one of these delicious drinks to get the full experience.

Are you a shepherd or a selfish man? Ponder this question by grabbing your ticket for Tarantino Live - don’t miss out on all the action!

Location: Riverside Studios, 101 Queen Caroline Street, London W6 9BN

Adore the sound of this event and want more? There’s much more where that came from in our What’s On guide, so find your next favourite theatre show by downloading Bindy Street today. 

Join the Fox Force Five as they battle against tyranny... or explore Billy Bonker and the Cocktail Factory instead to experience more creative cocktails and another quirky cast.