Review: My Son’s a Queer (What can you do?) at HOME is a ‘sincere look at growing up queer’ and ‘full of childlike wonder’

For most people airing years’ worth of home videos to audiences across the country would be mortifying, for Rob Madge, it’s the conceit for an hour-long musical extravaganza!

My Son’s a Queer (But what can you do?)

The play follows Rob Madge as they try to fulfil their childhood dream of staging the perfect Disney parade, complete with costume changes, props and in-character meet and greets.

Now, with decades worth of hindsight and some beloved childhood costumes- Madge leads the audience down memory lane.

My Son’s a Queer (But what can you do?) is written and entirely performed by Rob Madge, which makes more sense the more home videos you see.

They are in their element on stage. Drawing on their years of experience in the theatre, Madge holds the audience rapt, delivering every line with heart and conviction.

They seemingly move effortlessly through the material, easily navigating comedic beats and tender moments.

It is heartwarming to see them living out their childhood dream and sharing the experience with their family, even through VHS tapes.

“A labour of love”

My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) is very obviously a labour of love, and everything about Madge’s performance conveys that. It is lovely to see them take up this space so joyfully.

The play uses every minute of its 75-minute run time efficiently.

The seven-part structure is an effective framework for this particular story, as it keeps the show moving, while still giving the emotional moments time to breathe.

My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) is a love letter to the musicals Rob Madge was raised on and this influence can be felt in every area of the show.

Amazing music and orchestration by Pippa Cleary and Simon Nathan

Rather than separate, distinct songs, the music (by Pippa Cleary, with orchestrations by Simon Nathan and sound design by Tingying Dong) in My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) serves more as a narration. The musical motifs running through the whole show work in tandem with the writing to build upon the theme of inner child healing and radical self-acceptance.

The simple yet emotive lyrics underscore the more bittersweet moments perfectly, leaving some audience members in tears and receiving a standing ovation before the finale.

The most unique and memorable element of My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?)  is the integration of home videos. They are the backbone of the whole show and never feel shoehorned in or cherry-picked to serve the narrative.

They offer a window into Rob Madge’s childhood and their family, chronicling the important moments: Rob’s birth, their first day of school and that iconic first Disney parade.

This element is wonderfully nostalgic and very sweet. It is a lovely and intimate look at a family loving and supporting their child unconditionally through years of living room performances and film accurate Beauty and The Beast re-enactments.

Impactful visuals by George Reeve

The visuals (designed by George Reeve) are impactful and complement the videos themselves by fleshing out the world created on stage.

Designed by Ryan Dawson Laight, the set is a mixture of a Broadway set and an eighties living room. It feels theatrical and whimsical while still being cosy and nostalgic. This helps enforce the idea that Madge is creating a safe space for the audience and inviting us in.

The costumes are also beautifully designed by Ryan Dawson Laight and feel as though they’ve come straight out of Madge’s childhood dressing up box. They are whimsical and theatrical and beautiful, much like the show itself!

My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) is an incredibly sincere look at growing up queer, there is never any trace of irony or embarrassment.

It is refreshing to see someone so wholly embrace their younger self.

From the moment it starts, the show is a testament to what happens when children are unconditionally supported and given the love they deserve.

It implores audiences to reclaim the things that bring them the most joy and taking up space in the process.

Rob Madge creates a safe space on stage and extends it to the audience, inviting them to revel in childlike wonder and reconnect with their younger selves.

My Son’s a Queer (But what can you do?) at HOME tickets

My Sons a Queer is at HOME as part of Pride until the 25th of August

Tickets are available here.