Julie the Musical – Godber Studio, Hull Truck Theatre

Book, Music, Lyrics and Director: Abey Bradbury

In recent years, the word “queer” has been frequently used and even reclaimed within the LGBTQIA+ community. An evolution perhaps for queer culture at large.

Julie the Musical is this in a nutshell. Loud and proud and verging on the right side of chaotic, this playful offering from the pen of Abey Bradbury is full throttle, high-octane and borderline psychotic! Clumsy and intentionally hammy (queer theatre being its main focus) it isn’t afraid to ask questions and push boundaries; defying the norm through storytelling and skilful play.

This stylised restoration concept musical, featuring a folk-rock sound from deft actor-musos, is pure unadulterated joy from the start. It is, at times a little clunky but the piece is so well structured and formed with each player showing a real sense of pathos in a beguiling yet utterly bonkers display. They are a strong and focused troupe who work hard to bring Bradbury’s musical to life in what is a frenzied yet palatable evening of queer art.

Darkly melodramatic with just the right amount of colour and shade, this idiosyncratic romp reeks of intellectual integrity in the writing, in style and in the music. This is full on vaudeville. Deliciously irreverent, scintillating, impudent and quite frankly, utterly heartless.

This no holds barred approach to the genre carries with it an ardent and aristocratic flair as camp as anything you’d see in 17th century France. There are tender moments though too with lines like “I picture being a normal” and “I don’t know how to act when I’m not acting” and with poignant songs like Worst Best Secret – sung beautifully by Alexander Tilley.

Reminiscent of the brilliant Morgan Lloyd Malcolm musical Cake (based on the life and times of Marie Antoinette) and with all the necessary ingredients of a rowdy French farce, the themes are both pertinent and relevant for a post-modern world. It’s clear that the theatre goers in Hull Truck’s Godber Studio tonight appreciated the importance of the work with some even relishing the audience participation.

Lounging and skulking in the shadows the players look in on the action. They work tirelessly throughout to bring Bradbury’s play to life. They perform with conviction; telling this vital tale of sex and gender, identity and equality which was way ahead of its time and based on a true story. With strong poise and physical joie de vivre the cast really are masters of their craft. This exciting and inviting gem of a show is an exploration of the human psyche that asks questions and pushes boundaries. Tearing down the fourth wall and the the theatrical rule book this is queer theatre at its best.

Part of Hull Truck’s Grow Season, I defy this crucial, spirited and uplifting musical not to grow on you.

Reviewed on 30th June 2023. Touring nationwide.