Rob Madge’s much raved about one hander ‘My Son’s A Queer (but what can you do?)’ has arrived in Edinburgh for the Fringe, running at Udderbelly until 29th August (except 10th, 15th & 22nd).
When Rob Madge was 12, they attempted a full-blown Disney parade in their house for their grandma. As Rob donned wigs and played Mary Poppins, Ariel, Mickey Mouse and Belle, their dad doubled as stage manager, sound technician and Goofy. This production follows Rob as they set out to recreate that parade – and this time, nobody, no, nobody is gonna rain on it.
Rob is an incredible performer who engages the audience from the moment they walk on stage. They bring such a brilliant energy, filled with positivity, hilarious comedy, and so much heart. This production is all about them and their life growing up, however there is nothing obnoxious about this reflection of their childhood. Rob is loved by many for their iconic Tik Toks showing them perform Disney shows and parades as a child, therefore to get further insight into that, in such a joyous way, you can’t help but love Rob and their family even more.
Rob’s script for this production is not preachy, it’s laced with comic nuance and speaks frankly, not forcefully on important issues that impacted their life. This production contains the magic of a Disney fairytale. The plot is the coming-of-age story of a theatre kid, however, Rob’s high points are the dreams that any theatre kid would aspire to have. Yet there is darkness in that, therefore with the depth and complexity of their childhood, you truly feel this is a brilliant story for stage, which is written beautifully by Rob.
Luke Sheppard’s direction brings that magic to life, helping Rob preserve the nostalgia of their childhood while adding some theatre magic to amplify the impact. Ryan Dawson Laight’s design helps this by making us feel like we are in a living room yet with the stunning costumes and props, it unleashes the potential to be something more, a theatre. George Reeve’s projections preserve the memories of Rob’s childhood, bringing comedy and heartwarming moments to help the audience see Rob’s perspective. Pippa Cleary composes the music for this production, helping Rob lift this and make the production its own musical with varied fantastic music.
Rob Madge’s ‘My Son’s A Queer (but what can you do?)’ is a stunning piece of theatre radiating comedy, and emotion that will melt the hardest of hearts. There was barely a dry eye in the house. Rob’s story is one that many can relate to, and we can only hope that this story is told for many years to come.
Get tickets for ‘My Son’s A Queer (but what can you do?)’ below:
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/rob-madge-my-son-s-a-queer-but-what-can-you-do
Theatre Scotland 
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