Soho Theatre – until 14 August 2021
5*****
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
Hot Gay Time Machine is a scream. The fast paced, high camp jaunt through time shows us pivotal moments in the lives of Toby Marlow and Zak Ghazi-Torbati from coming out to their mothers through to university life and beyond.
From the moment you enter the theatre you know exactly what you’re getting – Toby and Zach bounce around the audience firing off questions about gay culture and effusive greetings in between high energy dance routines. By the time stragglers come in, they are welcomed with whoops from the entire audience, creating a communal atmosphere that is inclusive, celebratory and ready to party.
As you’d expect from the creators of Six – Lucy Moss directs – the songs are sharp and sassy and the banter between the ridiculously talented duo is lovingly bitchy. There is some wonderful audience participation in family scenes, and Marlow and Ghazi-Torbati never miss a chance to raise a laugh. As well as using familiar songs, the original numbers are hilarious, especially those describing the realisation that they were gay and later as they portray straight men bemoaning the loss of rainbows and unicorns to “the gays”. There are some poignant moments as the two riff on friendship and their families but just when it seems things are going to get deep, a filthy or bitchy comment gets flung in, lightening the mood and effortlessly reigniting the party energy – and Hot Gay Time Machine is the best party in town.