Drugs, sex and even more fun blend in this humorous rampage exploring the downsides of night life. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if, at any point, somebody hit any rock bottoms.
Mama… I just f*cked a man… Thank goodness she’s not reading this review… Oh, (what’s the word?)… Yeah, there’s a lot of that in this play – a W-HOLE lot. But that’s okay – you know what you were signing for when coming to a play dealing with chill out sessions, and taking the 35 from Waterloo right after… So I’ve heard… Anyway (is that another word for “versatile”?), the West End had turned a little bit gayer (if that’s even possible) with the opening (I swear I was not aiming for a pun there) of its latest fringe offer. The Seven Dials Playhouse takes a trip down Canal Street by hosting Jock Night, a new play depicting the sex lives of 5 Mancunian men – exploring and challenging the morals of social conventions, but also showing the consequences of what some excesses can lead to.
Written and directed by Adam Zane, the piece tinkles, through farce and comedy, with many of the subjects that surround the everyday of a gay guy: the push of traditional boundaries, the almost imposed need to go for the extreme, and the fight and escape from the prejudice stemming not only from others, but also from their own kind. A glittering melange of rainbow-coloured themes, with parental homophobia making the last as the guest of honour, the show laudably acknowledges a reality we don’t get to see depicted too many times onstage – but feels a bit overloaded (yes, I know…) as for what how much it’s taking in (let’s just leave it…).
Running for roughly 2 hours, the complexity and seriousness of its topics (though narrated through constant humour) does not allow for them to be properly encompassed – all in all, scratching barely the surface without truly digging any further into their core and evolution. There is a defined story arc, however, but its cornerstone is still to be named – as despite its upfront love story, its undertext is still blurry as for what kind of cautionary tale it’s trying to bring.
Featuring a beautifully designed, intricate set by and effective lighting credit to , the production’s strongest element is actually its chemistry: G, Tina, coke, and a cast with even more intoxicating rapport, compelling acting and hardly any buts in their performances – oh, wait a minute… Among them, the top ones (just guessing?) come from George Hughes and David Paisley, particularly due to the mutual charm emanating from their most palpable connection onstage. In addition, Matthew Gent also gives a memorable rendition as Ben, delivering his role with flair and stamina in its timing.
A whirlpool of clashing emotions, transforming experiences and unmasked insecurities, Jock Night sets the right tone and path for its premise, but still needs to polish part of its contents so it can fully flow (don’t overthink it, hun…). A bit more of subtlety in its jokes and naturalness in the dialogue are the key elements to make this piece transition into a must-see event that, apart from funny, can also be meaningful. After going around the rim, you need to get deep inside…
Jock Night plays at London’s Seven Dials Playhouse until 11 November. Tickets are available on the following link.