★★★★
The conceit of My Son’s a Queer is so inspired it has you from its first moment. We meet Rob, who, with joyous enthusiasm, recounts their childhood as a Disney princess, musical obsessed theatrical Svengali. This autobiographical musical relies on a lot of home movies, and usually it’s a disaster when theatre relies on pre-filmed inserts. But this show is one of the few examples, where the movies are essential. We get to see the little boy who revelled in his love of musicals, Beauty and the Beast and roping his family in to play all the roles.
Luke Sheppard’s direction is measured and allows for Madge to take centre stage, totally in control of the environment. Pippa Cleary’s composition elevates each number so they feel like WestEnd showstoppers (which ironically they will soon be, having secured a transfer in the autumn!) We are treated full reprises and callbacks, no easy feat when you only have an hour.
For all its camp and whimsy, Madge’s autobiography is important. So many queer kids with a love of theatre and musicals, feel isolated and are still bullied for being different. Madge’s pride in being the kid who wanted to dress up as Belle, stands out as a role model, an example for the thousands of queer kids to come, and it is a wonderful thing.
