Find out what critics have had to say about Rob Madge’s show, now playing a limited season at the Ambassadors Theatre.
Broadway World: ***** “While a lot of queer media tends to focus on the struggles of being part of the LGBTQ+ community, My Son’s A Queer is a celebration of happier moments. While the former is valid and vital, queer youth deserve to see that there are brighter times ahead and that it’s okay to embrace exactly who you are.”
WhatsOnStage: **** “Tonally, the script is nimble and jumps from joke to heartbreak in a line, which is absolutely landed by Madge’s delivery. They are perfectly cheeky and wry, and know what their audience wants, shooting off one-liners about the theatre industry with as much ease as when talking about difficult conversations and moments with their family, teachers and peers.”
West End Best Friend: ***** “My Sons a Queer is a must-see for all audiences. There’s something in there that touches the heart of everyone, no matter their background. The show’s message is so important, especially for the LGBTQ+ community who also loved playing in the imaginative play area as a child. It deserves all the recognition it gets and more and we hope to see it continue to grow in the future.”
iNews: **** “This small show with a big heart, confidently directed by Luke Sheppard and with occasional original songs from The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole’s Pippa Cleary, has progressed from the tiny Turbine Theatre, via the Edinburgh Fringe, to the West End. It’s a pleasing example of the potential pathways that are open to talent and a canny producer would encourage Madge to develop the piece further, perhaps with a screen series in mind.”
The Reviews Hub: ***** “Madge makes the entire audience feel part of the same friend group, proving that queer shame has nothing on the power of unadulterated queer joy. By the end of the magical show, one feels emotionally lifted in ways that theatre often struggles to accomplish.”
Lost in Theatreland.co.uk: ***** “My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?) is a masterpiece. It’s great to see a non binary performer on a main stage, in an authentic story, it’s even better that it’s their own story. This show is one of the most uplifting you can see. It will banish even the worst of moods, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll leave feeling that bit lighter. I would happily see the show again tomorrow night, and the night after. Bravo Rob Madge, what you’ve created is nothing short of sensational!”
All That Dazzles: ***** “Rob Madge is undoubtedly a genius and delivers a life-affirming show full of joy. I don’t think I have ever seen a show that moments after leaving I have messaged so many people encouraging everyone I know to see it. In My Son’s A Queer you can expect to laugh, cry and fall in love with the wonderful Madge family. As far as I am concerned as many people as possible should see this show.”
The Stage: ***** “Triumphant and transformative West End transfer for this autobiographical show by Rob Madge.”
Theatre Weekly: “My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) is a uniquely joyous musical that invites you to be part of a very special family, one that allows you to look back to your own childhood and to rekindle your own dreams. It might even encourage you to wish upon a star – but remember, the star of this show is without a doubt, Rob Madge.”
Musical Theatre Review: ***** “Directed by Luke Sheppard, My Son’s A Queer is an exceptional insight into the lives of those who commit to defying society’s ‘norms’ and make the world a better place for it. It is a rare feat to be able to so charmingly and humbly connect with an audience and have them laugh and cry with you, and Madge has succeeded with flying – rainbow – colours.”
Rewrite This Story: ***** “Rob is a natural storyteller and entertainer who has the audience in the palm of their hand from the get go. They’ll have your cheeks hurting from laughing and your nose running from crying and it’s all worth it to experience this gem in the crown of brilliant British theatre. My Son’s a Queer (But what can you do?) is everything theatre should be.”
London Theatre1: **** “This show may not have the long-lasting misery and woe of some queer stories of previous generations, but this only serves to underline how far things have come since then. There’s still some way to go, of course, but more than ever, the possibilities for people to be themselves – whatever that may be – are limitless. An inspiring, poignant and joyous celebration of life beyond the binary, this show affirms the unconditional support of parents and carers who really do love their own, no matter what.”
The show continues to play until the 18th March. To book tickets click here.