A Glorious Ode to Queerness: Jane Flett’s “Freakslaw”
In the dark noir heart of LGBTQ literature, Jane Flett’s “Freakslaw” slides in as a magnificent celebration of difference and diversity. From its opening pages, the book relishes in the unique and the extraordinary, inviting readers into a dark, vibrant, universe where the unconventional is not just accepted but glorified.
Flett’s narrative is steeped in a rich tapestry of pagan rituals, carnival mystique, and the whimsical charm of a travelling fairground. These elements intertwine seamlessly with queer narratives, creating a hauntingly beautiful and energetically defiant story. The dark energy that pulses through “Freakslaw” propels the story to a breathtaking crescendo, leaving the reader in awe of its raw power and emotional depth. In a small parochial Scottish town life goes on in dull suffocating monotony, but there’s a reckoning in the air, for ancient crimes as something wicked this way comes.
Freakslaw is a superb metaphor for the queer community. Flett masterfully uses the metaphor of the travelling carnival and freakshow—a space historically seen as a display of the “other”—to explore themes of acceptance, belonging, and the search for family. This book is a poignant reminder of the strength found in chosen families, and the comfort and love that can be discovered under the diverse Queer umbrella. The protection a self-defined space can offer and the idea of sanctuary that offers hope from stifling small town repressions.
The characters in Freakslaw are richly drawn and vividly alive, each contributing to the gaudy tapestry of the narrative. They embody the myriad experiences and identities within the queer community, from the flamboyant and fierce to the quiet and introspective. Through these characters, Flett paints a picture of a world where everyone has a place, and every identity is celebrated.
The carnival setting is more than just a backdrop; it is a living, breathing entity that enhances the story’s themes. The atmosphere of the travelling fairground—with its transient nature and eclectic mix of people—mirrors the experiences of many within the Queer community. It’s a place where those who have been marginalized can find acceptance and create their own sense of home and family. Where drama is standard and life is for living.
Flett’s prose is lyrical and evocative, capturing the essence of the carnival and its inhabitants with a poet’s touch. Linking in ancient wrongs and the idea of generational guilt, of communities having to atone for the crimes of forbearers and how spirits cry out for justice and vengeance. The book’s pacing is controlled, building tension and suspense as the story unfolds, leading to a crepuscular brutal climax that is as inevitable as it is surprising. The resolution ties together the various narrative threads in satisfying and thought-provoking ways.
The book’s exploration of pagan themes adds a layer of spiritual depth, connecting the characters’ personal journeys to broader, ancient cycles of life, death, and rebirth. This connection to the natural world and its rhythms underscores the book’s message of unity and belonging, suggesting that, just as in nature, diversity is not just tolerated but is essential to the richness of life.
In Freakslaw, author Flett has crafted a work that mirrors the experiences of many within the LGBTQ community who seek acceptance and belonging in a world that often feels transient and unwelcoming. The carnival’s vibrant energy and eclectic mix of characters provide a rich backdrop for the story’s unfolding drama. It’s a profound metaphor for the Queer community. The freakshow, historically a space of exploitation and marginalization, is transformed in Flett’s hands into a symbol of empowerment and celebration. The retribution saturated wheels of serving justice on the historical heirs of perpetrators of bigotry and hate that turn withing the dark heart of Freakslaw make the book a deeply resonant and inspiring read whilst offering savage resolutions to inflicted pains from patriarchy and heteronormative pressures which speak to Queer righteous anger.
Freakslaw is an candyfloss tinged exploration of the concept of chosen family. In a world that often feels alienating and hostile, the characters in Flett’s novel find solace and support and redemption within this makeshift community. A shivering, gloamy delight of a read.
Out now £16.99 Hardback & ebook
For more info or to order see the publishers website here.
The play opens with the enigmatic Richard Hannay, portrayed with a masterful blend of gravitas and wit. The faux tension is palpable, drawing the audience into a web of intrigue reminiscent of the original Hitchcockian atmosphere. The seamless integration of comedy sets this production apart. The cast’s comedic timing is impeccable, each line delivered with precision, each gesture calculated to elicit laughter without ever undermining the suspense. Supported by the ingenious use of staging. The four actors, in a dazzling display of versatility, play more than 100 characters in total and manipulate the space with such creativity that the fourth wall seems to dissolve before our eyes. This playful engagement with theatrical conventions transforms the stage into a dynamic landscape, drawing the audience into the heart of the action. The staging is a warm parody, a knowing nod to the artifice of theatre that both celebrates and subverts traditional norms.
This production revels in its own theatricality, evident in the delightful array of accents and costumes. The cast navigates a cornucopia of regional dialects with a finesse that brings to mind the comedic charm of “Allo Allo.” Each accent is a delight, adding layers of humor and character that enrich the narrative. The costumes capturing the essence of each character with a flair that supports the play’s quality while allowing the actors to indulge in moments of delightful absurdity. These elements work in concert to create an atmosphere of playful sophistication, where the audience is invited to share in the joke.
Patrick Barlow’s adaptation of “The 39 Steps” effortlessly combines the elements of suspense and comedy with aplomb. The script is a testament to his skill, maintaining the core tensions of Hitchcock’s original while injecting a buoyant sense of fun. The pacing is brisk, the transitions seamless, and the dialogue sharp, creating a tapestry of intrigue and humor that is compelling.
This production of “The 39 Steps” is a triumph of theatrical ingenuity. It captures the essence of Hitchcock’s suspenseful thriller while infusing it with a comedic charm that is both refreshing and irresistible. The cast’s performances are spectacular, the staging is innovative, and the use of lighting and sound is atmospheric and evocative.
McLeod masterfully navigates the contrast between her love for her job and the emotional baggage she carries. How she first comes Out but then has to go back in, exposing the double standards of celebrating and supporting male cabin crews’ sexuality and gayness is contrasted with the experiences of hostility and prejudice from being an out lesbian in the same staff teams. The novel’s flight path takes us through the exhilarating highs of her globe-trotting career, where every layover is a new adventure, and the crushing lows of hiding her identity. Her internal turbulence is poignantly depicted, making her struggle all the more heart-wrenching and her courage to embrace her true self utterly inspiring. Oh and the drinking, so very much drinking.
‘Lifting Off’ is more than just a book; it’s a celebration of self-discovery and the courage it takes to live authentically and the ability of the honest love from another person to change our minds about ourselves. . McLeod’s book is a beacon of hope for anyone who has ever felt grounded by societal expectations. It’s a reminder that, no matter how turbulent the journey, we all deserve to soar freely.
Next up was the enchanting Cocoa, whose act brought a wild, feline energy to the evening. Draped in leopard-print, she exuded a primal allure. Both Baby Daisy and Cocoa enthralled the audience with their sensual dances and artful disrobing, maintaining an air of tantalizing tease throughout.
Adding a dash of local flavor, the fourth act introduced us to a Brighton native on roller skates. Her act was a joyous whirl of sensual dancing and hula hoop artistry, leaving the audience breathless with her dynamic display.
The grand finale was none other than Baby Daisy, closing the night with a spectacular flourish. Her final dance, culminating in a lavish champagne pour inside a giant glass, was a fittingly decadent end to an evening of sheer burlesque brilliance.
However, the real highlight for the adults lies in a different kind of metamorphosis. Nestled on giant beanbags, we can lay back and simply gaze up at the elegant projections that dance across the ceiling. B.L.I.S.S. It’s a rare chance to relax and let go, allowing the serene beauty of the visual spectacle to wash over us. In this tranquil cocoon, the stress of the outside world melts away, making it a perfect interlude in a busy festival schedule.
The interactive element of the show was a stroke of genius, with the audience taking on the role of interrogators, grilling the various suspects with questions that ranged from the absurd to the downright ridiculous. This participatory aspect added an extra layer of fun and unpredictability, making every performance unique and ensuring that no two shows are ever the same.
Despite this, Vaughan’s enthusiasm is positively radioactive, permeating the room and keeping the energy levels high. His passion for science is contagious, and his ability to simplify complex concepts into fun, digestible bits of information is nothing short of magnetic. He ensures that even if the kids can’t see every experiment perfectly, they’re still captivated by the magic of science.
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