Fresh from opening at the Manchester International Festival, The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions has arrived for a limited run as part of the Southbank Centre’s Autumn/Winter 2023/24 Performance and Dance season.

Adapted from the cult 1977 book by Larry Mitchell and Ned Asta, history is retold by addressing both the prejudice and celebration entwined within the history of the queer community. Oppression is portrayed through the ‘deadly dance’ between “the men”, and “the faggots”, with alliances being formed between the faggots and their friends (“the women”, “fairies”, “women who love women” and “queens”). A defiant representation of a liberal manifesto, the performance is a festival of self-expression and a joyous reclaiming of identity. Directed by Tedd Huffman with musical adaptation from Philip Venables, the show turns text into lyrics and brings a vibrant visual representation of The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions from page to stage.

Right from the start, we are granted permission into the world of The Faggots and their Friends, with all instruments and elements of set laid bare on the stage; allowing us to see both figuratively and literally behind the curtain. The performance is reminiscent of cabaret, with the ensemble utilising areas of the space throughout and, at times, directly addressing the audience in impromptu breaks of the fourth wall. Our role as voyeur is turned on its head when half-way through the show, we (the audience) are directed to sing a song for the cast. Although somewhat tongue-in-cheek in its nature, this moment brought a feeling of camaraderie and solidarity throughout the audience as we sang poignant lyrics of discrimination and inequality.

The ensemble showcases their multitude of talents as they use their vocals, bodies and an array of musical instruments to produce all sound and music directly from the stage. Although the material is gritty, everything is choreographed to perfection, with seamless transitions from scene to scene as we journey through the world of The Faggots and their Friends.

With so much to see onstage at any given time, this is a show you’d want to see multiple times just to ensure you haven’t missed a moment.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Chess Hayden

The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions plays at Southbank Centre until 28th January 2024. For more information, please click here.