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One hundred people’s ninth favourite thing: [title of show] @swkplay

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[title of show] takes you back to a time before the fast paced social media where word of mouth for a positive show came from chat boards, video diaries or (god forbid) blogs. A simple staging makes it an ideal (and economical piece to stage), but it’s sweet and earnest take on just putting on a show, and putting it out there and taking a chance gives this show its heart. With a strong and energetic cast and endless musical theatre references, it’s hard to resist and it’s currently playing at the Southwark Playhouse .  It opens with Hunter (Jacob Fowler) and Jeff (Thomas Oxley) as struggling young writers in New York City. An upcoming New York Musical Theatre festival, inspires them to write an original musical within three weeks to make the deadline. As they discuss ideas, writers block, distractions and endless other good and bad musicals, an idea for a show emerges. Which is about writing a show for a musical theatre festival.  Their friends Heidi (Abbie Budden) and Susan (Mary Moor

Flying away: My Dad's Gap Year @ParkTheatre


Sometimes you just have to throw in the towel and fly out to Thailand. To hell with the consequences. At first. So is the premise In My Dad's Gap Year. But while some of the plot points might be as suspicious as the sexual antics on stage, there's a lot of heart and great performances in this piece. Written by Tom Wright, it's having its world premiere at Park Theatre.

Dave (Adam Lannon) is having a mid-life crisis. And he drinks too much. His wife Cath (Michelle Collins) has left him and is uptight teenage gay son, William (Alex Britt) is trying to enter the world of work. So what better way to get over it all by heading off to Thailand? Beside's it's supposed to be William's gap year. So why can't dad join in?

Along the way Dave falls for Mae (Victoria Gigante), who runs the bar at the beach. And there's a sexy lifesaver Matias (Max Percy) who is about to open William's eyes to a whole new world.

What at first seems to be a wild funny hedonistic romp at sex clubs and bars gives way to something much more substantial. This is not just some beautiful thing coming of age gay romance. Addiction, loneliness and discrimination (even among the LGBT+ community) are explored in thoughtful and insightful ways.

The ensemble work well together and the writing gives each of them a unique voice. The design of a raised stage and pit also gave the performers space to create for us the time and place.

The piece won't be to all tastes. The disclaimer outside the theatre didn't prepare everyone for the "adult sexual themes".  After a few full and frank scenes there were a few walk outs. But for those that like their theatre a bit provocative, a bit sexy and a bit fresh, this show is hard to beat.

Directed by Rikki Beadle-Blair, My Dad's Gap Year is at Park Theatre until 23 February.



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