Inoffensive Theatre!
Hope Theatre Company’s latest production of Gypsy Queen isn’t a bad play; it’s everything you would expect to see in a gay play: repressed sexuality, conflicting masculinity, gay male stereotypes, jokes about tops/bottoms, a homophobic climax and full-frontal nudity. Even the show’s poster is obvious: two topless men. But what was most predictable was the audience I was sat with: White. Gay. Men.
I’m bored. Why are we still telling the same sad stories about the same gay men?
Throughout the performance I kept asking myself the same questions: Why do I care about these men? What is this show revealing about the gay experience that I didn’t already know? Why does this show exist? …I still have no idea.
Don’t get me wrong, there is a place for gay theatre – and stories we haven’t heard yet – but gay theatre like this belongs back in the 90s. We’ve made progress! Let’s see it onstage!
Rob Ward (also the playwright) was the most compelling part of the show; his characters were fully realised and engaging. Did we need to see him naked? Probably not. But I guess that gets certain butts on seats.
Ward’s scene partner Ryan Clayton on the other hand lacked precision. I also think he was miscast; there’s no way a man with such a perfect face would be a professional boxer. Where’s the grit and guts that come from a fighter? A bit like the show in general… Where’s the nerve? Where’s the risk? Where’s the heart?
I’m sick of safe gay theatre. Give me something real.
GYPSY QUEEN by Rob Ward
Venue: Marlborough Pub Theatre
Dates: May 25-27
Reviewed by: Spencer Charles Smith
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