As the audience entered the auditorium of the Coventry Belgrade, our ears were met with classic Disney instrumentals, and with a slap of nostalgia, we were transported back to our childhoods. The open stage showed a simple set, decked out like a living room focused around the TV. Wallpaper that screamed the 90’s and an armchair that had been sat on one too many times. The lights dimmed and the powerhouse that was Rob Madge entered the stage to applause. This is a touching tale of one child’s story to adulthood, finding themselves, overcoming hurdles and embracing who they truly are.
Through clever use of media, we were all transported back to Rob’s family home. Seeing them as a young child filling their family with joy while attempting to put on a full blown Disney parade, all through the medium of VHS tapes. Through these tapes alone, not only could the audience tell this mini Rob was bound for stardom, but that their family’s support and acceptance was never questioned. While telling their story, Madge transitioned seamlessly between honest and heartfelt, yet all the time hilarious, text to Pippa Cleary's beautiful score.
Madge's vocals were second to none, pitch perfect while still keeping a midlands accent, making even the quieter notes (of which there were one few, Madge had a story to tell and they were going to make sure the people at the back heard) zinged and popped through the theatre. If their singing wasn’t enough, spot on comic timing kept this 75 minute, solo show whizzing, and allowed for a huge contrast in energy when the reality of Rob's experience growing up Queer was brought to light. A pin could’ve been heard dropping when showing a side usually not seen, vulnerable and real and utterly heartbreaking. As tissues were passed between us in the audience, and eyes were mopped, Madge pulled us seamlessly back into hysterics as we carried on the journey through their childhood.
This simple concept show is the perfect example that huge budgets and glorious sets can be impressive, but the real heart of any show lies in the story. And this honest, raw and utterly fabulous autobiographical story of Rob Madge's life has a HUGE heart. The simple yet cosy set (Ryan Dawson Laight) was supported by warm and welcoming lighting (Jai Morjaria), and complimented the performance, with wonderfully sparkly and not at all subtle costumes (Laight), it was a visual delight.
This show will banish any feeling of sadness you might enter with, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you might even recognise yourself in some of the excellently crafted text, but I guarantee you’ll leave feeling inspired. My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do? - a one performer, tour de force, celebrating unwavering love and support from families, allowing you to be unapologetically, YOU.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | photography by Mark Senior
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