REVIEW - MY SON’S A QUEER (BUT WHAT CAN YOU DO?)

My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?) first premiered at the Turbine Theatre in 2021. The show has since gone from strength to strength, with a sold out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, critical acclaim, and now its second West End run.

The premise is simple, Rob Madge is putting on a show in their living room and we’re all invited. They also show us everything that has gone right and wrong during their Disney parades and shows growing up, they then take us through the seven steps of putting on a Disney parade.

Over 75 minutes, Madge performs original songs by Pippa Cleary, these are heart-wrenching at times and uplifting at others. My personal favourite being ‘We Will Be Loved Anyway’.

Madge is hysterical throughout, showing excellent comedic timing and delivery. I noticed a few more jokes have been added, mainly for the theatre kids in the audience. These include a couple of jokes about West End star Cheryl and one about Bad Cinderella.

Home videos are intertwined throughout the show seamlessly. Allowing us a look into Madge’s childhood – and putting their parents Jon and Jan centre stage. And what parents they are! Unfortunately not all queer people are as lucky as Madge, who clearly won the parent jackpot.

My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?) is a masterpiece. It’s great to see a non binary performer on a main stage, in an authentic story, it’s even better that it’s their own story. This show is one of the most uplifting you can see. It will banish even the worst of moods, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll leave feeling that bit lighter. I would happily see the show again tomorrow night, and the night after. Bravo Rob Madge, what you’ve created is nothing short of sensational!

{🎟 AD: PR Invite – Tickets gifted in exchange for an honest review}

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