MY BIG ITALIAN GAY WEDDING

Being half Italian, I didn’t know what to expect with this production staged at the Above the Stag Theatre in Victoria.

The mere thought of the show, My Big Gay Italian Wedding, made me shiver with fear and excitement. Was I going to see a glimpse of my future, or would I be witnessing some camptastic production playing upon the Italian-American stereotype? One thing is for sure, this glam off-West End show is going to go down a storm with fringe theatre lovers. My Big Gay Italian Wedding is much like My Big Fat Greek Wedding, only this time with a tad more tack and a lot more guido bling!

The story follows Anthony and Andrew who decide to take the plunge and get hitched following a mid-Vogue dance floor proposal in a nightclub. As we all know, planning a wedding can be a bloody nightmare. So imagine the scenario; not only are you and your family planning for that special day, but it’s a gay wedding and you’re Italian Catholic. Ouch. Double ouch. Add to the mix your bickering relatives, crazy assed ex-boyfriend, warring lesbians and a wedding planner who appears to be the camp lovechild of Kenneth Williams and Alan Carr, you know you’re in for a treat.

The strong cast in this run is led Benjamin Vivian-Jones, who plays one half of the happy couple, and doting Italian gay son, Anthony Pinnuziato. Matthew Barksby, who plays the trouble making ex Gregorio, and Ellie Collier, as one of the lesbian side-splitting sidekicks, also provide flawless and comedic talent in this production. Director Paul Taylor-Mills keeps the play moving with solid direction throughout. The dramatic scene changes are tightly handled, adding to the dynamics of the piece.

If you’re mulling over what to do this month to keep you out of trouble, or more importantly keep the pennies in your purse, then make sure you embark on the short journey to the Above the Stage Theatre in Victoria, as this production is a must!

Above the Stage Theatre, Victoria
www.abovethestag.com

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