Beautiful Thing

Jonathan Harvey’s breakthrough LGBTQ+ play written in 1993 is perhaps a little dated but queer plays and films were thin on the ground then. Whilst we have come a long way since then, Harvey shows us a snapshot of each character battling their own demons & the themes are still relevant today, as there is still work to be done all around the world.

The set was cleverly thought out, showing us two tiers with raised platform and steps going up the middle where three doors to houses are all with windows that open. Rails either side of the steps. Stage Right on the raised areas is a clothes-horse with various clothes drying. Around the middle door is a hanging basket with flowers, underneath is a tap and hosepipe. Plastic milk crates are at the side of the door and also used for seating. Outside lights are on the walls. Down Stage Right are two plastic green garden chairs and a sign on the wall ‘No Ball Games’. Stage Left on the floor more milk crates and the entrance. Concealed in the wall was a made-up bed which pulls out to create Jamies’ bedroom and a bedside table with lamp and clock is brought on to complete the scene. Set Construction was Eddie Stanley, Andy Haymes and Ian Hunter. Set Decoration Peter Hood and Props Joanne Hibbert and Paul Whur. Lighting and Sound all worked to help build the atmosphere and sound bites used of the Radio Announcer played by Paul Whur as well as songs. Lighting Design & Set Up Peter Gower, Operation Jennie Whur, Sound Compilation, Editing and Operation Paul Whur.

Cathryn Hughes makes her directing debut at Tyldesley Little Theatre with the five-strong cast. The cast weave in and out of each other’s lives with Tony being the newest member. The cast worked well together and tackled the various subjects admirably under Cathryn’s direction.  The comedy was brought out well and the scenes moved fluently and there was good use of the stage.

Leah was played by Lola Walch and always had an answer for everything – it’s not clear why she has been expelled from school but I suspect it’s because of her back-chat. It’s no coincidence that she has latched on to the ill-fated Cass Elliot aka Mama Cass who died aged 32 of a heart attack and not of choking on a ham sandwich, as Leah is fixated with. The bang on the head was true and was a funny scene with Leah trying to gain a singing voice. I did wonder if we could have seen a bit of vulnerability before her scene when she goes on a drug trip. Although again that was a funny but sad scene of her living her life through a celebrity.

Nicholas Worthington plays Tony and voices Ronnie the abusive father to Ste. Tony professes to be an artist - we do wonder if this is true. He tries to gain favour with Jamie and keep the peace. He is actually probably the only one who is secure in himself. He comes into his own when Leah is tripping and knows how to handle it. Nicholas gives a solid performance as Tony and some good facial expressions which got laughs.

Tara Haywood plays Mum. A strong woman and takes no you-know-what from anyone. Used to being on her own she is mum, dad and friend to Jamie and as most mums are in the know, probably realises he is gay way before he does. Tara plays Sandra strong with warts and all. Casting Tony aside, does she even need a man with her focus on her job? Quick with the wit and the sparring with Leah while being outraged at injustice. Sandra was able to convey all this.

Christopher Johnson plays Ste who has the world on his shoulders. Dealing with his abusive father and drug-dealing brother he is trying to make something of himself and has plans.  The abuse was heard but not seen which to me is always more chilling as the mind can conjure up far more than it sees. Christopher plays Ste unsure and at times frightened - what he didn’t plan on was having to spend more than one night at Jamie’s and share his bed. Ste is made to confront his own sexuality but is too scared as to what people think. This came across well and Christopher worked well with Jack Hannah who played the protagonist Jamie. Jamie doesn’t fit in at school - he hates football, his homosexuality is concealed at school but he is bullied. Ste and Jamie go on a journey together pushed by Jamie’s infatuation of Ste and his awkwardness around him, Both navigating life as two awkward gauche teenagers, the writer speeds up the process of flirtation and exploration by Leah outing them. This has a knock-on effect forcing them to confront issues quicker than they would like. Jack takes on the character of the shy boy confused by his sexuality and his feelings for Ste and Jack delivered. You could see his turmoil and his exasperation with his mum. There were some great moments between them with facial expressions and space for the actors to just be, allowing the audience to connect. Well played.

Thank you for the invite and hospitality from my guest Charlotte and I.

Liz Hume-Dawson

District 5 Rep.

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