My Son’s A Queer - Glittery introspective will move you to tears but restore Faith in Human Nature

Coventry born comedian Rob Madge. Photo courtesy of Rob Madge.

My Son’s A Queer - But What Can you Do, Written and performed by Rob Madge and directed by Luke Sheppard. At the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry from Monday 15 July – Wednesday 17 July 2024.

Review by Annette Kinsella. 

What do humans have in common with cats? No doubt this could be the subject of a PhD thesis, but the area I am thinking of is a love of boxes. Admittedly, the feline preference is to put themselves in a box, but all humans know the satisfaction of fitting something snugly in a made-to- measure  compartment.

Except when it comes to people themselves. What happens when people refuse to conform and stay within the confines of their box? Or if their box doesn't even exist? This is the premise of Coventry-born comedian Rob Madge's show 'My Son's A Queer, But What Can You Do', fresh from a second stint in London's West End.

Rob Madge at the Garrick Theatre. Photo courtesy of the artist.

By turns joyously hilarious and heartbreakingly poignant, the razor-sharp solo performance tells the story of Madge's formative years and the love given by family as they find their own space in a stereotypically gendered world which has no niche for them.

Perennially the star of their own life story, the 75-minute show charts Madge’s transition from baby to precocious boy and finally awkward adolescent, through the lens of their own home videos. We see Madge perform a series of Disney characters, from a be-horned Maleficent to a majestically-bosomed Ariel, to an adoring audience of mum, dad and grandparents. The unconditional support of Madge’s family grappling with a non-binary son contrasts painfully with projected snippets of their school reports, in which teachers urge them to curb their dramatic instincts and flamboyant personality in order to ‘fit in’ with their peers.

This show reduced our reviewer to tears! Photo courtesy of Rob Madge.

I am notorious in my own family circle for possessing the heart of a cement rhinoceros, steadfastly remaining dry-eyed through such gritty cinematic traumas as the death of Bambi’s mother and or the heartfelt departure of ET. But even I was moved to tears as Madge brought to life how their initial excitement at starting school was swiftly punctured by the violent retribution visited on them by older boys, for the crime of failing to live up to an outdated ideal of masculinity. And not just a surreptitious snivel. Full blown ugly crying. In the MIDDLE OF THE THEATRE. I will never live this down. Thanks a lot, Madge.

As heartening as a glittery rainbow on a stormy day, this show will reaffirm your faith in human nature. And you'll never see The Little Mermaid in the same light again.

For tickets go to: https://www.belgrade.co.uk/events/my-sons-a-queer-but-what-can-you-do/