My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?)
Leicester Curve Studio
9th July 2024
Anyone linked to a theatrical algorithm on social media will have seen numerous viral videos created by West End performer Rob Madge, who’s love for celebrating and lovingly-spoofing the world of musical theatre has been a joy to watch. This self-proclaimed obsession has been a lifelong passion for the non-binary star, and forms the basis of ‘My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do’), a biographical mini-musical written and performed by Madge. The little show with the big personality has enjoyed sell-out runs in London, and the love for it continues to grow, as its now getting ready embark on its first UK tour.
Directed by man-of-the-moment Luke Sheppard, the one-person show sees Madge on a living-room-styled set, telling tales from their childhood of when they would put on Disney shows for their parents. Endearingly-grainy real-life camcorder footage filmed by their family shows what a little performer Madge always was, right from the beginning, and how they were always destined to be in the spotlight. But more than this, it shows how Madge’s family encouraged their child’s imagination and individuality, making costumes of Madge’s Disney idols, and even performing alongside them in the living room shows. When Madge talks about their school years, amidst the saddening bullying, we learn that their teachers also suggested that Madge should be less “dramatic” if they wanted to make friends, making Madge turn away from that side of themselves. Thankfully, the unconditional support from a loving familial network reignited that theatrical flame within Madge, and set them back on the fabulous path that brought them to where they are today.
The show is a beautifully personal journey, and Madge brings us along with humour, charm, a glint in their eye and their heart on their sleeve. To think that Madge was effectively told to change who they were in order to make friends, by someone in educational authority, is truly heart-breaking. We can only be grateful that Madge ultimately ignored that advice, cheered on by their wonderful family. The home videos are a delight, Madge’s diva behaviour making comedy gold, but enriched by the clear love the family has for their child, fully accepting and supportive. Madge is one of us countless “theatre gays” who grew up obsessed with Disney and The Wizard Of Oz, knowing we were different but not understanding why, and seeing our own experiences reflected through Madge’s exuberantly joyful eyes is richly rewarding and really quite cathartic; we were never weird, or strange, or alone. We just didn’t realise there were others like us.
Madge flies through a warm and witty script packed with musical references at a lightning pace, so much so that the uplifting conclusion almost comes too soon, such as the time flies by. We actually wouldn’t object to the show being marginally longer (65 minutes), and it almost feels a shame to say farewell to Madge at the end, so inspirational is their company and the show’s message of inclusion and acceptance. The handful of piano-led songs in the show work well, and Madge milks a smoke machine and an array of handmade costumes for all that they’re worth. It’s all done intimately and on a small scale, but what it may lack in spectacle, it more than compensates for in heart.
Born to be a storyteller and a natural performer, Madge is a joy to watch, and this gorgeous insight into their childhood is a truly unique gem of a show, along with a moving reminder of the power that lies in allowing children to be their authentic selves. ‘My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do)’ will hit home to anyone who’s ever felt on the outside, as well as being a wonderful celebration of musical theatre and imagination.
‘My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do)?’ plays in Leicester Curve’s Studio Space from 8th to 10th July 2024, prior to a UK tour.
Performance runtime 1 hour 5 minutes without interval.
