My Son's A Queer (But what can you do?)

Rob Madge’s My Sons a Queer, (but what can you do?)’has been on my list ever since I first heard the news over their social media channels after becoming enamoured by their charm and mostly innocent wit during the pandemic. I stumbled upon their content as the algorithms and Instagram gods knew that Rob’s home videos and Disney-filled, theatrical upbringing would provide much nostalgia and reciprocities with my own childhood. I had seen many photos online and listened to the soundtrack prior to finally being able to catch this show on it's final UK tour destination in Manchester, so I knew exactly what I was letting myself in for. However, hearing audience members remark on their way out with phrases like, “Little did I know this was the most perfect way to kickstart Manchester Pride,” and “I didn’t know how much I needed to see this,” reminded me just how profoundly this show was connecting with people. Their reactions only fuelled my enjoyment of the night further.

I am extremely happy to report that Madge's performance was just as wonderful as I had hoped and that the production even exceeded some expectations of mine. The instrumental melodies of beloved Disney tunes as you entered the auditorium, set the tone for a heartfelt story of a young Rob and their journey to becoming the wonderful person they are today. As soon as they entered the stage Rob's joyous, energy filled the auditorium and instantly set the tone of the rest of the performance setting the audience at ease in capable hands to laugh with and candidly explore the challenges and blessings of growing up queer through Madge's own experiences. So delicately handled, the themes of this performance could easily have been more downbeat. But Rob was able to uplift the audience through the ups and downs of battling with gender identity and sexuality in a hetero-normative society with such intricacy that I was constantly between states of sobbing, chuckling and choking up over heart warming moments.

The centre of this story is the plethora of footage Rob has chosen to share from his own family archives, clearly demonstrating their destiny to perform and entertain as made obvious by their hilarious catch phrase from an early age 'are you filming me?'. When Rob whipped out the stack of VHS tapes (remember those?) you really understand that you're in for a treat as a young Rob humorously taunts and encourages his father to join him in pulling off elaborate performances in the Madge living room of all their favourite Disney stories .

Of course, any autobiographical piece risks feeling self-indulgent, and MSAQ has moments where it could be perceived as such. Yet, the true stars of this show are Rob’s parents and grandparents, whose unwavering support for Rob’s passions, even when society pushed back, makes the story resonate with anyone who has struggled to be seen or accepted. The audience is invited to witness not only Rob’s journey but also the learning curve of a family raising a queer child, and that’s where the piece gains its emotional heft.

The score of this piece by Pippa Cleary and Rob Madge is both witty and powerful in conveying complex emotions and thoughts through the eyes of a young child. 'Yellow dress' in particular was a stand out performance that simply conveyed a young Rob's confusion when after being desperate to receive Princess Belle's beautiful yellow dress, his dad bought him the beasts outfit to dress in. Much of the score is also catchy, campy, and filled with the kind of whimsical optimism that defines the production’s tone, as in particular with 'anything is possible' that I have been singing for weeks.

Speaking of camp, I must also mention the costume design by Ryan Dawson Laight that is the key to the culmination of the piece as Rob successfully completes a final living room Disney parade. Elaborate and imaginative costumes that feel both beautiful and home-made are real showstoppers and bring spectacle to the element of the performance that could have felt quaint or pantomime.

Without a doubt, MSAQ has been a roaring success, beloved by many as the production celebrates a community of people like Rob - individuals who’ve struggled in a world that often pressures them to hide their most colourful sides. As I left the theatre, I felt that warm, fuzzy feeling that only comes from witnessing a story of hope and pride so authentically told. It’s a reminder to spread our own magic in small ways, just as Rob Madge has done show after show, creating waves of conversation in the theatre community and beyond. I'm sure this isn't the last we have seen of the production in the UK but in the mean time it is set to be moving onto Broadway in the next season early next year.

© Mark Senior