Review: QUENTIN CRISP - NAKED HOPE, Old Joint Stock Birmingham

Most people will be familiar with the name Quentin Crisp, if not the person. Having been born in 1908 as Denis Pratt, Crisp changed his name to suit his more flamboyant personality and became well-known as an author for his autobiography, ‘The Naked Civil Servant’. Becoming a gay icon, albeit sometimes controversial due to his remarks on particular subjects, kept Crisp in the public eye.

Written and performed by Mark Farrelly, Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope is a one-man show which captures the loneliness and uncertainty of Crisp’s life. Farrelly embodies the character from his speech patterns, to his facial expressions, from the way his body moves, right down to the end of his fingertips; the small, almost insignificant, yet fully detailed, stylisation is all in there.

It’s an intriguing story. How, in the 1960’s, Crisp had all but given up on life, feeling that his personality had come to an end, then going on to find the admiration from so many in his twilight years, moving to New York and living again. It’s a story of hope, of what was and what should have never been. Living as an obviously effeminate gay man in London in the 1930’s and 40’s wasn’t easy, constantly apologising for his existence when people took a dislike to him and his behaviour. It’s no wonder that Crisp became withdrawn and disliked people.

The writing focuses on the two parts of Crisp’s life: his loneliness and his move to New York many years later. Farrelly’s characterisation is superb, clearly defining the two eras and how Crisp toned down his behaviour as he embarked into his later years, whilst still remaining the dry humoured, straight-talking personality the public had grown to adore.

A heartfelt, fascinating story that will keep audiences engaged throughout.

Sadly beautiful, yet totally engaging.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope plays at the Old Joint Stock, Birmingham until 16 July and currently has UK tour dates scheduled until April 2024.