"A love letter to their parents and family, a celebration of queerness, and a guide of how to encourage and support your queer loved ones."
Bringing their sell-out, awarding winning show back to Edinburgh Fringe,
Rob Madge: My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do) is an autobiographical show where they take you on their journey from theatrical toddler to treading the boards as a West End teen.
The show begins with Rob explaining that when they were 12, they tried in earnest to put on a Disney parade in their living room but as they put it, it “went awry” …and they have proof. Rob introduces us to their younger self through old home videos on VHS, photos, school reports, and accessories from their past.
Most home videos featured Rob’s dad, Jon, who frequently did not measure up to Rob’s ludicrously yet hilariously exorbitant entertainment standards.
It was clear from the get-go that Rob was a child of their own mind. But the story also had its antagonists in the form of unhelpful comments from teachers, beatings from school bullies, and the pressure to be less queer.
What is one to do when even their school tries to discourage their theatricality? Their family ramps up the love and support and encouragement for Rob to continue being exactly as they are.
The staging is simple yet effective and is reminiscent of a typical 90s living room, and the songs pay a great tribute to Disney and Rob’s imagination.
As the show nears its end, we are reminded as to why Rob has invited us into their living room. It’s time for their Disney Parade as they had envisioned it all those years ago. A spectacular finale indeed.
Rob Madge: My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do) is fundamentally, a love letter to their parents and family, a celebration of queerness, and a guide of how to encourage and support your queer loved ones. Rob will have you laughing, crying, laugh-crying, and cry-laughing. This is a must-see show!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎫 Edinburgh Festival Fringe Media Accreditation
LISTING DETAILS
Venue: Underbelly, Bristo Square, McEwan Hall (Venue 302)
Time: 17:30
Dates: 1 - 9, 11, 13 - 16
Duration: 1 hour
Ticket prices: £12 - £16
Suitability: 12+ (Guideline)
Tickets: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/rob-madge-my-son-s-a-queer-but-what-can-you-do
EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE
For three weeks in August, the city of Edinburgh welcomes an explosion of creative energy from around the globe. Artists and performers take to hundreds of stages all over the city, presenting shows for every taste. Venues can be anywhere, from existing theatres and concert halls to repurposed spaces like bars, parks, buses and shipping containers. The Fringe street events bring colour, excitement and vibrancy to outdoor areas, free of charge.
From big names in the world of entertainment to unknown artists looking to build their careers, the festival spans every genre of live performance, including theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, cabaret, children's shows, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions and events.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, a registered charity, is the company that organises the structure that underpins the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The level of commitment required for such an undertaking would not be possible if it weren’t for the enthusiasm of the people of Edinburgh, combined with the longstanding support of our audiences, sponsors, supporters and the goodwill of the Fringe Friends and Angels.
The Fringe Society strives to provide support that exceeds participant and public expectations, and we ask you to join us in supporting this challenge. Every penny you give makes a difference, helping us to develop the services we provide for performers and audience.
There are a number of ways of supporting the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, from one-off donations to becoming a Fringe Friend.