Theatre Review: Sexually-charged gay play ‘Between’
By Josh Haggis
Between
tells the story of six different gay characters, played by the same two actors. The three separate vignettes are intertwined with one another, and consist of lust between a teacher and student, two childhood friends experimenting sexually, and two lovers in the midst of a relationship crisis.
The play is directed by Geoffrey Hyland, and stars South African actors Oskar Brown and Nicholas Campbell. The pair have toured the production around the world, playing to sold-out crowds and garnering glowing reviews for their attempt at exploring several aspects of male sexuality.
I’ll get this out the way first – yes, there is nudity, and the two actors are beautiful men. However, what Hyland does so cleverly is to normalise the nudity by having the most graphic moment happen within the first two minutes. It means that for the rest of the play, which includes a number of sexually-charged scenes, the sight of both actors sans clothing doesn’t elicit a reaction from the crowd, and becomes almost mundane.
The story of two boyfriends – one desperate to have sex with the other, who refuses to touch him for months on end – is the most captivating of the three vignettes. It doesn’t feel at all contrived, to the point where I’d be astounded if it wasn’t based on some kind of personal experience; the dialogue just feels that real.
The standout moment of this vignette, and the play as a whole, is a monologue performed by Campbell, who plays the role of the sexually unfulfilled boyfriend. After months of unfruitful attempts to rekindle any kind of sexual chemistry with his boyfriend, he creates a wildly masochistic sexual fantasy in his head, and in the monologue reveals that he is desperate to be physically hurt and abused by another man for his own sexual thrill. It’s powerful stuff.
Campbell exudes charisma on stage, and manages to create a distinguishable and endearing persona for each role – it’s a joy to watch. Meanwhile, Oskar shines most when playing the role of a young teenager exploring his sexuality with his friend. Watching a pair of grown-up men play two younger guys coming across their first pornographic magazine, and then nervously experimenting with each other, could be a bit cringey, but it’s actually pretty adorable – and wonderfully funny at times.
Between ranks as one of the best theatre experiences I’ve ever had, and one I could not stop discussing for hours after. If you’re in London, and looking for an intriguing insight into the gay male psyche, then make sure to catch the show before it closes next week.
Rating: 5/5 stars
In order for the show to continue, Campbell and Brown need your support – click here to donate to the play on their crowdfunding page.
Between is showing at the Kings Head Theatre, Islington between January 24 and March 14. Buy advance tickets here, and follow @theBetweenBoys on Twitter.