Beautiful Thing

While the show must go on, it becomes an impossibility when some of the cast catch Covid. Old Mill Theatre’s production of Beautiful Thing opened a week late, and without a rehearsal in the interim, due to illness and isolation requirements. This "urban fairytale” is worth the wait, with a solid, well-presented production. 

George Boy’s set design is impressive and creates two distinct locations, a verandah area outside apartments and the bedroom of young protagonist Jamie, with a clever sliding set piece and close lighting from designer Mark Nicholson. We are given a good sense of time and place with the set and well-chosen costumes from Marjorie De Caux.

Written and set in the early 1990s, this is a play about two damaged boys who find love with each other and realise and accept their sexuality. Set before the legalisation of same sex marriage (or civil unions) and in an era where teaching about homosexuality was illegal in Britain, while a product of its time, its messages remain important and relevant nearly thirty years later.

Very sensitively acted by a quintet of actors, this show has been directed with care by Barry Park, and the physicality and intimacy displayed is convincing. The two leading men, while both adults, make very believable teenagers, and the five characters, all of whom “do not fit in” are distinct and interesting. Great use of accents, although at times they are so strong, that we struggle to catch every word.

Cooper Gray, in only his second community theatre performance, handles the complex and layered role of misfit Jamie nicely, developing a tangible relationship with Felix Malcolm, a late replacement in the role of Ste, who performs the role with great depth. Also strong is the relationship created between Jamie and his single mother Sandra. A high energy performance from Stacey Broomhead, this might be her best performance to date - a complex character, played with passion.

Orla Poole is lovely as tough talking, and obviously very damaged, neighbour Leah. With Leah’s fondness for singing the songs of Mama Cass, we get to enjoy Orla’s gorgeous voice, and I expect that we will see this actress in musicals in the future. The cast is completed by Ashvarth Singh Kunadi, solid as Sandra’s latest boyfriend, the artistic, well-spoken Tony.

A moving play that touches the heart, this is a fulfilling night at the theatre.

Kimberley Shaw