As soon as the lights dimmed and the first knells of ‘Til The World Ends’ by Britney Spears filled Park Theatre’s auditorium, it was clear that this play was going to be FUN.
The concept of a fun play about being HIV positive is unorthodox, but that’s the point. And it is executed flawlessly by way of a brilliant script and an effortlessly charming cast, managing to be respectful and appropriate without being preachy or threatening.
Lead character Benji (Timothy George) has been living with HIV for a year and we’re thrown into his life midway through a night out at a Soho bar that’s open on Sunday nights, serves super cheap drinks and is populated by a mix of young twinky students and old men. HMMM. Wonder where THAT could be?
We rapidly meet the gaggle of increasingly neurotic characters surrounding him, from his perpetually panicked best friend Nikki (played with brilliant awkwardness by Nathalie Barclay), to his hilarious, plummy-posh mother (Sally George).
The undisputed highlight though is love interest Matt, played by Shaun Kitchener. His comic timing and slightly madcap sardonic sarcasm is perfection, as is the chemistry between he and Benji.
Kitchener also wrote the play and should be proud of his achievement. It’s truly a tipping point, one of the first of many signifiers of changing attitudes towards HIV. Sensitive issues were covered with impressive insight and confidence, and there were enough irreverent laughs in there to keep it from being too trite or saccharine.
The feel is very mainstream, and that’s certainly not meant as a criticism; making a play about being HIV positive mainstream is a hell of an achievement. The comic tone and very British, farcical nature is reminiscent of perkily middle-class BBC sitcoms like Miranda or My Family.
That is EXACTLY what’s needed. These days it’s not East London club kids, or drag queens, or left-wing literati that need to see these things. We already know. It’s your mate’s mum Carol that needs to see it. It’s your best girlfriend Charlotte who wears gladiator sandals and watches Geordie Shore. It’s your straight friend Clive who works in the City and lives in Clapham.
Positive doesn’t just break down stigmas, it brushes them aside like dry leaves. The message comes through loud and clear. Being uptight about HIV is like Britney’s VMA performance; lazy, outdated and not properly thought through.
• Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, N4 3JP. 7:45pm, Tuesday – Saturday til’ 01/08/15. Tickets £18, £15 concessions.
