“The Faggots & Their Friends Between Revolutions” offers a transformative theatrical experience, blending fairytales and history in a radical story that challenges societal norms. It’s punchy and fun – and serves as a commentary on patriarchy while celebrating the resilience and creativity of marginalised communities. The show’s ability to balance entertainment with thought-provoking moments makes it a must-see for those seeking a truly touching queer performance. It’s just the beginning of the year, but I’m certain that I will remember how this show made me feel, for a long time – maybe even put it in my top queer shows of 2024.
It’s not every day that I think twice if I should censor the title of the show while writing the review. And I have to be honest – I’m still not mentally ok typing the “f” word here, even after hearing it spoken and sung over 100 times in the show. But, the performance, based on the novel written by Larry Mitchell, uses this word in such an affectionate, soft-spoken way, that I understood, it’s high time it’s reclaimed with pride. I may just need some time to get used to it.
Let’s focus on the performance itself. At its core, the production stays true to Mitchell’s vision, presenting a world divided between the oppressive patriarchy of Ramrod and the communal, liberated existence of the eponymous “faggots” and their allies. Through a series of non-narrative episodes, polemic writings, and aphorisms, resistance and celebration intertwine, and the clash between nature-driven peace and patriarchal arrogance is laid bare. The book itself must be quite an experience to read – in fact, I took a mental note to read it this year. If it’s anything like the live performance, it should be a type of novel that makes you laugh and cry at the same time – can’t wait to experience it.
Unveiling Radical Narratives: From Novel to Stage
The novel serves as the foundation for this radical (yes, radical is the perfect word here) performance. The allegorical vignettes unfold in Ramrod, a realm ruled by the patriarchal society of “the men” under the oppressive Warren-And-His-Fuckpole. In stark contrast, the eponymous “faggots” live communally, creating art, embracing sexuality, and eagerly anticipating the next revolution. Their allies, including “strong women,” “queens,” “women who love women,” and “faeries,” collectively resist the entrenched norms of the empire.
The show, similar to the novel, doesn’t have a typical story structure. It uses short scenes, powerful arguments, and wise sayings, separated by stage changes or the sound of a bell. This aims to stir deep emotions in the audience, echoing the ancient Greek tradition of catharsis. The sense of emotional release is clear on the simple stage of the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, aligning with the Greek concept of purging emotions through performance.
Harmony in Diversity: A Theatrical Symphony
The production excels in creating a fusion of textures (these wonderful costumes, wow!), voices, musical instruments, and styles. From moments of operatic singing to subtle yet powerful historical references, the show engaged me on so many levels (and that’s a lot for a 1.5-hour show!). The inclusion of rarely seen instruments, such as the harp and theorbo, added a unique dimension to the performance, and brought some wonderfully choreographed surprises, like a moment when the whole cast plays the drums, amplifying the emotions of a certain scene.
The production boldly confronts and exposes the most ridiculous yet normalised elements of the patriarchal world, all without descending into cabaret or comedy. The minor audience participation was tactful and cheerful, with a slight twist and zero embarrassment (now that’s something that I can appreciate!). The creative twist involving the audience was all about reversing the roles: asking the audience to sing for the company on stage. As much as I’m not a fan of forced participation, the little moment here felt natural, free and very much weaved into the concept of community, the main concept of the story.
In summary, “The Faggots & Their Friends Between Revolutions” is exactly THE experience I needed to get my 2024 on a fantastic start. It offers a transformative theatrical experience, blending fantasy and history in a radical fairy tale that challenges societal norms. The show’s ability to balance entertainment with thought-provoking moments makes it a must-see for those seeking a truly radical and touching queer performance.
The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions
The Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall
25 – 28 Jan 2024
Thurs 25 – Sat 27 Jan, 7.30pm
Sun 28 Jan, 3pm
Approximate run time: 1 hour 30 mins.
Tickets from £20 – £50
For ages 16+
CREATIVE TEAM
Music, Philip Venables
Direction and text, Ted Huffman
Music direction, Yshani Perinpanayagam
Choreography and costume design, Theo Clinkard
Set design, Rosie Elnile
Lighting design, Bertrand Couderc
Sound design, Simon Hendry
Dramaturg, Scottee
Assistant director, Sonoko Kamimura
Associate music director, Trish Clowes
Fight director, Jonathan Waller
CAST
Kerry Bursey, Jacob Garside, Kit Green, Conor Gricmanis, Deepa Johnny,
Mariamielle Lamagat, Eric Lamb, Themba Mvula, Yshani Perinpanayagam, Meriel
Price, Collin Shay, Dan Shelvey, Joy Smith, Sally Swanson and Yandass
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