“Why Just be One Gender? Why Not be Both? Or Neither?” – Boy Stroke Girl, Etcetra Theatre, London. 20.02.2017

I was welcomed back by Golden Age Theatre for tonight’s Press Night, following my visit last October viewing The Ressurectionist. I was excited to see what was next in store for this company, and tonight’s would be a returning production of a sell out showing last September Boy Stroke Girl at the Etcetera Theatre, Camden. 

Having visited this theatre before (situated above a pub on the Camden high street), the intimate performance space that allows you to feel part of what is being performed in front of you, this time I was seated in the second row, and I had no issues with my view at all. I don’t think you would complain anywhere you sit.

Written and directed by Ian Dixon Potter, Boy Stroke Girl tells the story of Blue, who meets Peter in a coffee shop in London.  The two bond over their love for Doctor Who, and from their a relationship blooms. The only bump in this growing love is Blue’s refusal to conform to gender stereotypes, for Blue is an artist who refuses to accept labels full stop. Peter’s love for Blue is questioned, along with it his own identity and his relationships with friends and family.  Can their love triumph?

It is a powerful well written story, that the audience can relate to, we as a community are guilty of judging a book by its cover sometimes, even though we are told not to we just can’t help it. It welcomes the audience to think about their opinion on Gender. I for one have never questioned mine, but know people who have gone from boy to girl, and girl to boy and have never questioned their choices but respected them in every step they took. It is hard to watch this play however and not try and guess Blue’s sexuality, and its a question that you leave the play still pondering, as they never reveals Blue’s Gender, so its hard to print a him or her on Blue. You may feel cheated of this, but sometimes the unknown is much better, it surely gets you pondering on the underground home.

Blue was performed by Ilaria Ciardelli, who was strong in her role as Blue throughout holds the power of each conversation and meeting throughout the play, with the focus being on Blue at all times even if that wasn’t what was intended. She was a delight to watch – and no that is not a hint to the true gender. You felt as if you were going through the stages of the relationship with Peter played by Gianbruno Spena, feeling his frustration of not knowing the full truth, and yet you respect him for his feelings to Blue and his honesty too of standing by Blue’s views, learning a little bit himself too. Gianbruno took it in his stride.

Thomasin Lockwood, and Ron Trevor both too were interesting within play, portraying different characters (peters friends, to his parents), they also showed different views, and opinions to what the community is thinking when stumbling across a person like Blue. Blue even confronts them ‘You can think for yourself can’t you? Without referring to 99% of people?”  Both were very convincing in their many characters, playing different people with ease, without the audience questioning.

Along with the small cast, the other benefit was the limited set with just 4 pink seats that transformed the space for each scene, with this in place the focus was more towards the story than what was on show, however the rolling blackouts were a little distracting and prolonged it at times.

I thoroughly enjoyed tonight’s performance and congratulate the cast, and creative team on a strong, moving, and intellectual story. The audience walk away remembering that its not all looks and labels, but our heart, opinions, likes/dislikes, hobbies and talents that make us who we are in the community. But also accept those for who they are, not what they are.

Golden Age Theatre’s Boy Stroke Girl is performing at the Etcetera Theatre from the 28th Feb – 12th March 2017.  Tickets on sale now, Its a play that will get your mind ticking!