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With Love, Mr. Gay – Kings Arms, Salford

Reviewer: Peter Ruddick

Writer: Joshua Val Martin

Director: Jez Dolan

What do you do when a dispute with a neighbour escalates? Becomes homophobic even? If you’re a writer, performer, and historian then the answer is obvious. Mine the real-life drama for dramatic effect.

With Love, Mr. Gay is much more than a retelling of Joshua Val Martin’s experiences, though. This is a reflection on modern communities and modern, and historic, conflict. It’s back in Salford after an award-winning debut at the Greater Manchester Fringe and will be heading to Brighton in May.

The true story began with a cheap, stone-effect statue of a Buddha. After it went walkabout from the communal garden Martin had placed it in, it turned up in a bin. To ‘protect’ said ornament from naughty kids, according to Martin’s neighbour. But, when that same neighbour took umbrage to the repositioning of the bins, Martin received a note. A poorly written death threat. Addressed to ‘Mr Gay’. The note went viral, and the dispute spread.

The on-stage story also begins with a Buddha. Except, this one talks. Performer George Bury takes on the role of spiritual guide to Martin. He also plays several other roles: neighbours, a police officer and, with comedic brilliance, online newspaper commenters. It’s not unusual for a fringe-style piece of theatre to take an event that happened to one person and use it to explore themes that are universal. But what is more unusual is the almost academic approach Martin has taken with his script.

Interviews with a historian, a marriage counsellor, and even someone involved with the Northern Ireland peace process, are neatly woven into the storytelling. Leaving Martin, and the audience, to question whether the most embittered of arguments only end when someone moves away or moves on.

This is also a show about the way homophobia and shame has pervaded society. Anyone who has ever been forced to hide their true self, and yet has also been asked why Pride ‘matters’, will feel a visceral empathy with the rage Martin so authentically and effectively displays when asked to take down a Progress Pride flag.

The subject matter might be serious but the direction, courtesy of legendary queer artist Jez Dolan, brings the comedic and heart-warming elements to the fore. There are some real laugh out loud lines and moments of great physical comedy. And some lovely songs too, plus a fun singalong, under the musical direction of Joshua Dawson. It means the audience will smile, and be moved, by a pitch perfect piece of fringe theatre.

Ultimately, this is a celebration of love triumphing over hate. Even if it leaves one wondering why it is often only the good people who choose to follow Michelle Obama’s advice to ‘go high’ when they ‘go low’.

Runs until 21 January 2025

The Reviews Hub Score

Makes conflict culture

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The North West team is under the editorship of John McRoberts. The Reviews Hub was set up in 2007. Our mission is to provide the most in-depth, nationwide arts coverage online.

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