Review: The Faggots and their Friends Between Revolutions at HOME is ‘unlike anything else being shown today’

The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions

Based on Larry Mitchell’s short text of the same name The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions is unlike anything else being shown today.

Despite being written in 1977, it is incredibly timely and provides many valuable lessons for a modern audience.

It is being performed as part of Manchester International Festival 2023

Defeat of the ruling class of men and capitalism

The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions chronicles the life and times of the eponymous faggots and their friends as they try to defeat the ruling class of Men and their capitalist ideals.

The show itself is extremely abstract and avant-garde. With a non-linear narrative and fantasy elements, it feels more like a bedtime story than a straightforward play. If you surrender to the chaos and enjoy the spectacle, The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions has real power and impact amongst the chaos.

The cast of fifteen does not have a weak link. It is largely comprised of classical musicians and this specialism is evident.

The music itself (Composed by Philip Venables, music direction by Yshani Perinpanayagam) transcends genre and conjures a wide range of emotions.

From heartbreaking to joyous

One moment, it is eerie and heartbreaking, the next it is joyous and stirring- but the quality never wains.

Everyone is multitalented and demonstrates a variety of impressive skills- from the lute (Kerry Bursey) to the harp (Joy Smith) and too many operatics to name.

A smooth show

Despite having so many moving parts, the show runs smoothly and is very polished.

The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions is very much a group effort, with everyone pulling their weight but Kit Green (The Home) and Yandass (Bloody Elle)are among the standout performers. Between the two, a rhythm is set and a tone established- it may be completely abandoned in the next scene but it was established successfully.

Kit Green shone when conducting a sing-a-long with the audience, their experience and comfort on stage evident in their every move.

Yandass threw herself into every word and was completely committed to delivering the best performance possible.

She is an extremely talented dancer and her command of movement helped underline the emotions of each scene.

Fantastic costumes

The costumes (Theo Clinkard, Sophie Donaldson) have no discernible theme or commonality, yet they create a rich and diverse tapestry of expression and identity.

The difference of each outfit adds to the timeless and fantastical quality of the show.

The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions is clearly made with the faggots and their friends in mind, amid huge amounts of sanitised, half hearted LGBT representation, this is deeply refreshing.  Writer and director Ted Huffman has taken Larry Mitchell’s cult classic and elevated it, translating it into an almost mythological fable that reminds a long downtrodden community of their own power and majesty.

Reclaiming slurs

Reclaiming slurs has been a tradition among the LGBT community since time immemorial.

Although it may be uncomfortable for some personally, seeing the word ‘faggot’ be redefined so unapologetically was extremely validating. Here ‘faggot’ means ‘wisdom’, it means ‘gentle’, it means ‘other but not alone’. It is a rallying cry for solidarity and a term of endearment among those privileged enough to use it.

Radical and playful, The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions brings together theatre, dance and song for the ultimate anarchic bedtime story.

The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions is at HOME until Sunday 2nd July 2023. Tickets can be purchased here