Beautiful Thing

       This production marks the 20th anniversary of the plays first performance on the 20th July 1993. The original production had a fantastic reception from audiences and critics and so, like this production, went on a UK tour. The play made its West End debut in 1994 and then in 1996 the Beautiful Thing film was released. It was only intended to be seen on television, but the outstanding response it meant the film was shown in cinemas and has since gained cult status.

       This new production is going back close to the shows beginnings by not appearing in a massive West End theatre. In 1993 it was shown in The Bush Theatre which only holds around 80 people. The current production is in The Art Theatre, an independent commercial theatre providing unique and innovative entertainment which seats just 350 people. Not as small as The Bush Theatre, but certainly not as big as the other West End theatres. This intimacy in the theatre works well for the show. The theatre itself feels very 'underground' with totally black walls and faded red seating. With this production its best to sit either in the balcony or at least half way up the stalls. I was in B3 in the stalls and found myself looking slightly up for the whole production. Not terrible, but not brilliant.

       This is a fantastic production. With laughs throughout, with emotional and serious moments dotted in at the perfect points. Admittedly the storyline of two boys in a rundown Thamesmead council estate falling in love through the various trials and tribulations of their lives, isn't for everyone, but it is a play that has spoken for a generation of the gay community and is a fantastic story. The majority of the audience were older members of the gay community, though it wasn't exclusively confined to them. The play doesn't really have mass appeal to a wide audience anymore and that's a shame. The set has been brilliantly executed by Colin Richmond who has also created the wonderful costumes.

       The production is propelled forward by the brilliant performances of Jake Davies and Danny-Boy Hatchard as the two main characters Jamie and Ste. The only negative I have about either performance, is that sometimes Jake can be a little over the top when laughing. Suranne Jones, who plays Jamie's mum Sandra, is, as one might expect, brilliant. She by far steals the show and its well worth seeing the show just to see her performance.

       If your not in London, don't panic. The show is going on a UK tour.

13 April – 25 May

ARTS THEATRE | London West End

28 May – 1 June

LIVERPOOL PLAYHOUSE | Liverpool

3 – 8 June

WEST YORKSHIRE PLAYHOUSE | Leeds

10 – 15 June

THEATRE ROYAL | Brighton

 

 

       This show is defiantly one for avid theatre goers looking for something a little off the beaten track. Tickets and Info