Having experienced the glitz and glamour (ahem!) of Gran Canaria myself, I felt fully versed slipping back into the refreshing waters of the Atlantic Ocean and having a right old giggle at Above The Stag’s new show, ‘Alright Bitches!’
Let’s start off at Arthole presents: self-memory-system by artist Emma Rudge up a Dalston Superstore where they’re known for great nights and great art shows of which this is one. Starts on Wednesday 27th January so if you think you’re going to a bar come restaurant come disco then think again.
Even Gran Can virgins will feel right at home! With gay bingo, sand dune safari, promiscuity and free pour spirits, the play is everything you love about the gayest of the Canary Islands, and some.
Written by Martin Blackburn and directed by Andrew Beckett, the play is set in the idyllic (barbed wires and all) gay resort of ‘Los Hombres’. The set was very impressive, you could almost smell the sun tan lotion and lube! You’re quickly introduced to the very funny five-piece cast, initially through the couple Ollie (bright eyed, bushy tailed twink, played by Grant Cartwright) and Jason (jaded, beardy and so not feeling the Gran Can fantasy, played by Anton Tweedle), who are on holiday together to celebrate their anniversary. With Jason’s idea of the perfect holiday being a Himalayan trek, the bright lights, long nights and dark corners of the Jumbo centre are not to his taste.
The duo is subjected to the bold, bubbly and actually pretty loveable northerner buddies Max (Lucas Livesey) and Garth (Ethan Chapples), along with their friend Pam (Hannah Vesty). If I had to pick one of the cast to kiki with, it would have to be Pam! With one liners like ‘one swallow does not a relationship make’, she’s the kind of girl who probably has a 1.5 star rating on Uber for spilling blue WKD on the seats, but is actually very witty, clever and wonderful company!
You’d be forgiven for thinking that the play was going to be a light piece of camp humour (which by all means, it was, with more double entendres than you can shake a stick at), but it actually addresses many of the issues which affect gay men today. From Grindr obsessions to the role of gay community, to growing older and open relationships, there were actually quite a few touching and interesting moments peppered throughout the haute camperie.
With the witty writing, a hilarious cast and fun atmosphere, I would absolutely recommend warming your cockles and pouring yourself a strong vodka cranberry as you kick back, and enjoy a very fun way to spend a cold winter evening!
21 January – 21 February, £19.50
Tuesday – Saturday 7.30pm, Sunday 6pm
Arch 17, Miles Street, London, SW8 1RZ
www.abovethestag.com
