Review: My Son’s A Queer (But what are you able to do?), Ambassadors Theatre

Review: My Son’s A Queer (But what are you able to do?), Ambassadors Theatre

In a current podcast interview Sir Ian McKellen talked emotionally in regards to the pleasure that might be unfold if we simply all referred to one another as ‘love’. Nowhere is the impact of that emotion extra apparent than in My Son’s a Queer (But what are you able to do?), written and carried out by Rob Madge and at the moment taking part in at The Ambassadors.

It’s honest to say that Rob was a inventive baby who appreciated to carry out. Always dressing up and revelling in imaginative play, they roped their mother and father and grandparents into their performances as stage arms, costume designers and movie makers and weren’t afraid to be essential of sub-standard efforts. Their pleasure and information of Disney productions was unrivalled, however their desire was all the time for the princess costumes which, sadly, by no means materialised till their grandmother received out her stitching machine. The relaxation, as they are saying, is historical past.

In a efficiency shot by with previous VHS household footage, Rob performs their autobiographical journey musically, passionately and with impeccable comedian timing. I anticipated to chuckle, which I did many occasions, however I didn’t anticipate to cry, which I additionally did many, many occasions. And I used to be not alone. Sometimes the tears had been for the small baby who had their creativity and enthusiasm suppressed in class, however principally they had been completely satisfied tears for the limitless love and assist that Rob was given by their mother and father and grandparents who merely accepted them for who they’re.

This is a manufacturing that has gone from power to power, beginning life as a fringe manufacturing on the Turbine Theatre, progressing to the Edinburgh Fringe after which onto the Garrick Theatre. The results of these iterations is a present that’s rigorously refined. Original musical numbers, narration and video footage are seamlessly woven collectively, and for one thing so exuberant it’s meticulously timed. Rob can sing, little doubt about that, but additionally is aware of when to pause, when to catch the attention of a member of the viewers, and when and the place to maneuver to benefit from the stage. They are comfy in silence, reminiscent of when the movie footage takes over, however then change into alive once more at simply the correct second. Mostly you’re feeling like they’re simply speaking to you.

The set is beautiful: a household lounge full with hanging lamp shades (and actually, there’s nothing fairly like an apricot colored cloth lampshade to remind you of a bygone period), together with childhood belongings delivered as props, which immediate a communal visceral response from the viewers. And as for the costumes, nicely, they’d do a Disney princess proud.

This is a story that challenges societal prejudice however it is usually a narrative that entwines unwavering household love and assist with a celebration of simply being who you might be. It is sort of infectious, that factor of communal pleasure. And typically, simply typically, excellent theatre can produce it. My Son’s A Queer did simply that and the viewers left higher for it.

Written by: Rob Madge
Directed by: Luke Sheppard
Songs by: Pippa Cleary
Set and Costume Design by: Ryan Dawson Laight
Video Design by: George Reeve
Prodcued by Bill Kenwright and Paul Taylor-Mills

My Son’s A Queer (But what are you able to do?) is taking part in at Ambassadors Theatre and at the moment reserving till 18 March. Further data and tickets right here.