Southbank Centre, London – until 28th January 2024
Reviewed by Celia Armand Smith
4****
As we enter the Queen Elizabeth Hall at the Southbank Centre, the audience is buzzing. There is chatter and laughter as everyone takes their seats, the cast is already on the stage, moving props, talking to one another. It feels like an event. The lights dim and a complete silence immediately falls over the auditorium. In the middle of stage, a performer hums a haunting yet mesmerising tune which transforms into a soft song with the words “It’s been a long time and we are still not free” repeated over and over again. We all know we are in for a strange and beautiful treat.
The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions is based on the 1970s book of the same name by Larry Mitchell and Ned Asta. It is part manifesto, part fairytale fantasy. In this musical adaptation by composer Philip Venables and writer/director Ted Huffman which premiered at HOME Manchester last year, the story is set in “Ramrod” where “the men” are dominating, oppressive, paper obsessives, and “the faggots” with the help of their friends – “the women”, “the queens”, “fairies”, “women who love women” – are seeking liberation through revolution and community.
The staging is simple and not dissimilar to a rehearsal room or dance hall. Instruments and wooden chairs fill the edges of the stage, and a solitary bell hangs in the middle. The incredibly talented performers sing, act, narrate, use their bodies as percussion, play an instrument or four, all while dancing or moving props. Each musician is given their chance to shine in solos and spotlights before returning to the ensemble, constantly supported by their peers. Though the pacing could be a bit snappier towards the end with a few minutes shaved off here and there, it is no less compelling. There are laugh out loud moments and an audience sing a long that keep everything moving.
This show is chaotic, uplifting, and most importantly powerful. Much like the communal living it is based on, you feel like you are part of something rather than just an onlooker, and you come away with a fire in your belly, and joy in your heart.