My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) review

“Triumph”

ReviewsFeb 2, 2023by Paul ValeAmbassadors, London

Rob Madge in My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) at Ambassadors Theatre, London. Photo: Mark Senior

Rob Madge in My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) at Ambassadors Theatre, London. Photo: Mark SeniorRob Madge in My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) at Ambassadors Theatre, London. Photo: Mark SeniorRob Madge in My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) at Ambassadors Theatre, London. Photo: Mark Senior

Triumphant and transformative West End transfer for this autobiographical show about self-expression and acceptance

Rob Madge’s idiosyncratic one-person show was one of the few theatrical success stories to come out of lockdown. As a child, Madge was so obsessed with Disney musicals that they used to recreate whole costume parades in their front room. Their parents supported these ventures and recorded them on VHS. Jump forward to 2020 and Madge, now an actor, posts snippets of these hilarious family videos on social media. The response was so positive that Madge created their show, featuring some of the videos and playfully exploring the joy of raising a queer child.

The production, directed by Luke Sheppard, premiered at London’s Turbine Theatre, transferring first to the Edinburgh Fringe and then briefly to the Garrick Theatre in 2022. Now resident in the West End for a short season, Madge’s show has grown with them, while retaining its fringe aesthetic. The newly refurbished Ambassadors seems the perfect venue, especially when lines in the opening number Anything Is Possible hint at the small stage.

Like the show itself, the space is intimate, yet it has the capacity for spectacle. There are more confetti cannons and glitter than in the original iteration, and there’s perhaps even more flounce to costume designer Ryan Dawson Laight’s extravagant princess dresses. But while Madge has enough personality and charm to light up even the biggest stage, this boutique setting feels made-to-measure for this sweet little story with an important message.

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In offering seven steps for creating the best home theatrical production, Madge underlines the importance of a parent’s support when raising a child. The autobiographical narrative, accompanied by carefully edited home videos, is both funny and often deeply moving. Madge is a natural comedian and there have been several tweaks to the script to keep the stagey references bang up to date. But it’s the pauses that hit home, as they recall episodes of bullying at school and teachers who attempted to stifle creativity or self-expression. The emotional journey that Madge travels is amplified by Pippa Cleary’s glorious, Disney-inspired songs. It’s not an extensive score, but Cleary’s music and lyrics capture the heart of Madge’s narrative, and the anthemic We Will Be Loved Anyway is a triumph.

In a West End boasting several fringe transfers including Six, Lemons x5 and the upcoming Operation Mincemeat, this one-person show can hold its head high. Madge may have set out to sing the praises of understanding parents (and indeed grandparents); but here, the show has almost evolved into a metaphor for the spirit and strength of the theatrical community in the face of adversity.

Production Details

Production nameMy Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?)

VenueAmbassadors Theatre

LocationLondon

Starts25/01/2022

Ends18/03/2023

Press night01/02/2023

Running time1hr 15mins

AuthorRob Madge

ComposerPippa Cleary

DirectorLuke Sheppard

Set designerRyan Dawson Laight