Olivier Award Nominee Rob Madge is here to showcase their musical talent and finally put on the full budget Disney parade of their dreams. The stage upon the large hall is decorated as a classic 90’s British living room, and out runs Madge in their outlandish costume. As they self proclaims their title of “theatre gay” they begin to roll the clips to prove their point.
The show consists primarily of Madge showing their hilarious old home movies of the times they would force their parents and grandparents to participate in their plays. These involves their mum dangling from a swing as Peter Pan, and poor old dad as Belle from Beauty and The Beast, as well as resident stage hand and technician. It’s fair to say they put them to rigorous work, Madge even shows a schedule they typed out that showed dress rehearsals are on Christmas Eve, while Christmas Day is obviously the clean-up.
The premise of the show surrounds Madge discussing what it takes to raise a kid like them and what parents should do to let their kids blossom. Madge’s lesson comes down to just accepting your child for who they are and never discouraging their dreams. Madge describes their tough time growing up that made them not want to pursue theatre, but with the help of their grandparents they become reinvigorated.
Although Madge’s contains a positive message, the format falls flat at points. The home videos become somewhat over used as Madge for the most part also sits to watch them, occasionally mouthing along the words. However, the overarching message still remains and Madge’s passion and dedication is inspiring.
Rob Madge: My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do), 17.30 Underbelly Bristo Square – McEwan Hall, 17:30, until August 16
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/rob-madge-my-son-s-a-queer-but-what-can-you-do
