Review written by Tyrone Baptiste - 9.10.22
My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?) has had a string of successful runs at Turbine Theatre in 2021 and in the prestigious Underbelly Purple Cow at Edinburgh Fringe in 2022. The show is getting ready for a West End transfer at the Garrick Theatre which opens on 21st October for a limited run until 6th November. Curtain Call Reviews was invited to a sneak peek of the anticipated release of the original cast recording which will be released on 21st October.
My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?) is a funny yet heart-warming look at Rob Madge's life and their undeniable love of all things Disney and Musical Theatre. The show celebrates individuality and what it means to be yourself. The album is truly a magical celebration of Rob's creativity. The show follows Rob and how they put on numerous shows for their family members including Rob's Mum and Dad using many scripts and homemade costumes and not to mention the ICONIC yellow dress. During the show, it takes us on a journey through their childhood, being accepted into Stagecoach and their struggles of trying to fit in.
The album takes us on an emotional rollercoaster. One minute, we are laughing. The next we are wanting to reach out and give Rob a hug and tell them everything will be okay. The music is created by Pippa Cleary (the legend behind The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13 ¾) and lyrics by both Rob and Pippa. The lyrics are witty, heart breaking and inspiring. The album teaches us all to accept each other regardless of gender and sexuality. A particular song is 'Pieces of My Heart' which, in my opinion, is the song that captured my attention. It's a song that most of us can relate to. It inspires us to be our own unique selves. There is at least a time in our lives where we all feel as if we haven't belonged and 'Pieces of My Heart' tells us it's okay and we will find who we are meant to be. The lyric 'why be so cruel when you can sing' is why Pippa and Rob lyrics speak to a generation struggling to find it's voice because people want to be cruel to those who want to belong.
There should also be a mention to the songs 'A Conversation with Dad #1' and A Conversation with Dad #2'. These songs are some of the highlights on this album. It features the actual voice notes between Rob and their dad. From these songs, it shows the endless amount of support that Rob has gotten from their Mum and Dad through the years. It shows that Rob was never afraid of being themselves in front of two people that love them. If only everyone's story was like this.
The album is sung mostly by Rob Madge but the album features a collaborative version of the poignant ‘We Will Be Loved Anyway’ with Rob being joined by Pippa Cleary, Issac Hesketh, Carl Man, Oscar Conlon-Morrey, Kayla Carter, Jordan Lee Davies, Jessica Aubrey, Vinnie Monachello and B Terry. This was released on 7th October on all major streaming services. The full album will be released on 21st October.
This album is a celebration of Rob Madge's life and their golden moment where they tell their story to people who haven't found their own story yet. It teaches us that we shouldn't be afraid to step out in this world and be ourselves.
I can't wait for everyone to hear this incredibly moving, funny and celebratory album with beautiful songs.
Tickets for the west end transfer are available now - My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) - Nimax Theatres
You can pre order the album now - My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?) Original Cast Recording - CD - Westway (westwaymusic.com)
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