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# BRIGHTON FRINGE REVIEW: Gypsy Queen @The Marlborough Theatre
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/brighton-fringe-gypsy-queen-the-marlborough-theatre/
- Published: 2017-05-30T22:28:06.000Z
- Updated: 2017-05-31T19:28:06.000Z
- Description: Hope Theatre Company’s latest production of Gypsy Queen isn’t a bad play; it’s everything you would expect to see in a gay play: repressed sexuality, conflicting masculinity, gay male stereotypes, jokes about tops/bottoms, a homophobic climax and full-frontal nudity. Even the show’s poster is obviou
- Author: Spencer Charles Smith
- Tags: Arts, In The South, News, Reviews, Theatre, Brighton Fringe, Marlborough Theatre

## Inoffensive Theatre!

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web-600-113.jpg)

**Hope Theatre Company’s** latest production of *Gypsy Queen* isn’t a bad play; it’s everything you would expect to see in a *gay play*: repressed sexuality, conflicting masculinity, gay male stereotypes, jokes about tops/bottoms, a homophobic climax and full-frontal nudity. Even the show’s poster is obvious: two topless men. But what was most predictable was the audience I was sat with: White. Gay. Men.

I’m bored. Why are we still telling the same sad stories about the same gay men?

Throughout the performance I kept asking myself the same questions: Why do I care about these men? What is this show revealing about the gay experience that I didn’t already know? Why does this show exist? …I still have no idea.

Don’t get me wrong, there is a place for gay theatre – and stories we haven’t heard yet – but gay theatre like this belongs back in the 90s. We’ve made progress! Let’s see it onstage!

**Rob Ward** (also the playwright) was the most compelling part of the show; his characters were fully realised and engaging. Did we need to see him naked? Probably not. But I guess that gets certain butts on seats.

Ward’s scene partner **Ryan Clayton** on the other hand lacked precision. I also think he was miscast; there’s no way a man with such a perfect face would be a professional boxer. Where’s the grit and guts that come from a fighter? A bit like the show in general… Where’s the nerve? Where’s the risk? Where’s the heart?

I’m sick of safe gay theatre. Give me something real.

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**GYPSY QUEEN** by Rob Ward

**Venue:** Marlborough Pub Theatre

**Dates:** May 25-27

**Reviewed by:** Spencer Charles Smith