Small Town Boys at Union Theatre is a trip down memory lane – literally. The play kicks off with a seemingly light-hearted encounter between Tom and Drew, two Queer men reminiscing about their youth on the beaches of Fire Island. It quickly becomes clear, however, that this is more than a casual catch-up. As they talk, they realise they both dated the same boy, Jason, back in their hometown of Middlesbrough in the 90s – a coincidence that flips their night upside down.
Nathan Taylor (Tom) and Stuart Simons (Drew) do a solid job carrying the weight of this story. Their chemistry is palpable, and as the evening unfolds, you can feel the tension rise as old wounds and forgotten emotions resurface. Dominic Charman, playing Jason – the ghost from their past – drifts in and out of the story, mostly in flashbacks. His portrayal feels more like an idea than a fully fleshed-out character, which works on some levels, but leaves something to be desired in terms of depth.
An emotional dive into the struggles of growing up Queer, wrapped in bittersweet reflection.
The play’s strength lies in its nostalgia. The way it bounces between the carefree, beachside freedom of Fire Island and the gritty, closeted world of 90s Middlesbrough highlights the importance of Queer spaces. There’s a strong emotional pull in watching these two men reflect on the safety they found in places like Fire Island, while still carrying the scars from growing up in a world that wasn’t ready for them.
But for all its heart, Small Town Boys has its weak spots. The dialogue at times feels clunky, especially when the characters get bogged down in exposition. The first half of the play takes its time establishing the characters, but the pacing sometimes stalls, making it harder to stay invested in their unfolding story. The emotional beats are there, but they don’t always hit as hard as they could. The flashbacks, while insightful, sometimes feel overused and detract from the present-day conversation that really drives the play.
The play shines in its exploration of Queer identity and first love, but it also stumbles in trying to turn a personal story into something more universal. There are moments of raw emotion, particularly when Tom and Drew confront the reality of how much their past relationships shaped them. Still, by the time the story wraps up, the play feels like it’s only just getting started, leaving you wanting a little more depth and resolution.
Final Thoughts ★★★★
Would I recommend Small Town Boys? Yes, but with a few caveats. If you enjoy theatre that delves into Queer identity, first love, and the tension between past and present, you’ll appreciate this. But don’t expect to be blown away by the narrative – it’s more of a gentle nudge into reflection than a profound revelation. It’s a tender, nostalgic look at what shapes us, but it’s not without its flaws.
Playing at the Union Theatre, until 5 October 2024.
Disclaimer: Ticket was purchased without any association or endorsement from the theatre.
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
