What do you get when you reimagine The White Lotus in Reykjavik with Lindsay Lohan at its centre? At The Divine in Stoke Newington, These Gays! They’re Trying To… delivers a campy, meme-laden romp that is ambitious, wildly entertaining, and filled with heart. This four-star extravaganza strikes a playful balance between absurdity and charm, celebrating Queer culture with both cheek and flair.
Directed by Charles Quittner, this queer comedy thrives on its absurd premise. The script, a collaboration between Nathaniel Foster, David Levesley, reid tang, and Colin Waitt, is bursting with sharp nods to Queer culture and TV tropes. From its opening moments, the show promises irreverence and delivers it in spades. The ensemble cast, including Alice Morgan-Richards, Dan de la Motte, and Jo Fraser, inject energy and cheek into their performances, fully embracing the exaggerated humour that makes the production tick.
An audacious, camp-filled take on modern Queer storytelling, full of laughs and glittering wit
The writing sparkles with clever one-liners and an unapologetic embrace of niche references that will delight those familiar with The White Lotus and Queer meme culture. From jabs at TV tropes to winking nods at Lindsay Lohan’s enduring icon status, the dialogue feels tailored to its audience. However, while much of the humour lands, there are moments where the plot feels overstretched. A few comedic beats linger too long, and certain storylines lose momentum, creating minor lulls in an otherwise vibrant pace.
What stands out is the commitment to camp. The staging, while minimal, is used creatively to keep the focus on the performances. Charles Quittner’s direction ensures a high-energy flow, though transitions between scenes could use more polish. The lighting and sound design add layers to the comedic chaos, amplifying the show’s larger-than-life tone without overwhelming the performers.
The ensemble cast is a delight, bringing both individuality and cohesion to their roles. Alice Morgan-Richards delivers a standout performance, her comedic timing and expressive delivery grounding some of the zanier moments. Dan de la Motte and Jo Fraser bring depth to their characters, ensuring that the laughs are balanced with occasional sincerity, a hallmark of the best campy comedy.
Final Thoughts ★★★★
Would I recommend These Gays! They’re Trying To…? Without hesitation. It’s a bold, glitter-filled celebration of Queer culture, steeped in cheeky irreverence and unapologetic fun. While not perfect, it shines where it counts, offering laughs, absurdity, and a generous dose of camp. For fans of Queer comedy and meme culture – or anyone who appreciates a good dose of chaos – it’s a must-see. So grab a drink, embrace the glitter, and enjoy the ride. Lindsay Lohan would surely approve.
Playing at The Devine until 4 January 2025.
Disclaimer: A complimentary ticket was provided in return for an honest and unbiased review.
More Reading
- A Queer Cowboy in the City: Lonesome’s Gritty Tale of Queer Longing and Discovery
- All of Us Strangers: A Hauntingly Beautiful Exploration of What Could Have Been
- Bear Traps at The Golden Goose Theatre: A Quiet Look at Family Ties and Black Holes
- Buried Truths and Second Chances: Two Come Home Delivers a Heartfelt, Moving Reckoning
