Beautiful Thing

Jonathan Harvey’s Beautiful Thing is a thought-provoking play that takes the audience on an emotional journey with two very different teenage boys. One is a lover of The Sound of Music, while the other prefers nothing more than playing football. Both are grappling with the pain inflicted by their abusers—one suffering at the hands of school bullies, and the other facing violence from his father and brother. Set against the backdrop of a South London estate, the boys are neighbours, and on one occasion, the young man abused by his family seeks refuge next door. What begins as a friendship slowly evolves, as the teenagers navigate their feelings and sexuality. This timeless coming-of-age and coming-out story highlights the importance of community and friendship, and The Drama Dept brought it to life with authenticity and heart.

The experience begins with a visually captivating pre-performance setting: an open stage featuring the front doors of several houses. This creative staging sets the tone for a narrative filled with compelling characters, each contributing distinct layers to the play’s themes. Among them are the troubled Jamie, portrayed by Toby Fullman, and his feisty mother Sandra, played by Sarah Thewlis. Both actors delivered their roles with dedication, embodying the artistic vision of the production. Their interactions were particularly poignant, depicting a fragile yet loving mother-son relationship. The body language and proxemics between Toby and Sarah were remarkably genuine, adding depth to their performances. Sarah Thewlis was consistently engaging, her portrayal of the loud, brash, and attention-seeking Sandra perfectly timed with quick wit and humorous exchanges.

As the story unfolds, the audience witnesses the evolving relationship between Jamie (Toby Fullman) and Ste (Billy Clarke). From the tender moment Jamie notices Ste’s bruises and tries to help with lotion, to their endearing “top-to-tail” sleeping arrangement, the actors deliver the perfect balance of teen awkwardness and heartfelt sincerity. Their contrasting journeys—Jamie’s confidence in his sexuality and Ste’s vulnerability—were portrayed with exceptional understanding of their characters’ emotions, body language, and moods, captivating the audience throughout their life journey.

Adding another layer of complexity is the over-the-top yet compelling neighbour Leah, portrayed by Caitlin Sturgeon. Caitlin’s interpretation brought strength and occasional vulnerability to a character that can easily be exaggerated. Notable moments, such as her LSD-induced belief that she is a dead singer, were performed with finesse, enhancing the emotional depth of the play. The production left the audience deeply connected to each character’s struggles and triumphs.

While the pace at the beginning felt slightly rushed, leading to dropped dialogue and challenges in deciphering the accents, these issues became less prominent as the performance progressed. The effective use of music and lighting complemented the intentions of the play beautifully. Both Toby and Billy excelled in setting the bedroom scene with pace, though a touch of stage assistance could have prevented the sound of the bed dragging across the floor.

Ultimately, this production was a brilliant success, delivering tension, emotion, and humour with conviction. Congratulations to the cast and crew for presenting a heartfelt performance that resonated deeply with the audience.

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