Ellen Leslie
When there are so many unapologetically queer shows at the Fringe, it can be easy to forget that it wasn’t that long ago that being gay was illegal in Britain. The BBC’s First Homosexual is a sobering reminder of this.
Based on a true story, the play begins in 1953, and follows two BBC producers, played by Max Lohan and Andrew Pollard, who are working on the first radio programme about male homosexuality. By the time it was recorded in 1954, it was such a taboo topic that the programme was banned, and it wasn’t until 1957 that a heavily edited version of it was finally aired. The original script was only uncovered in recent years, and has been adapted into a play by Dr Stephen M Hornby.
A second plotline runs parallel to this, telling the story of a fictional young man called Tom (Jolyon Benson) who is exploring his sexuality. What starts as an innocent crush on one of his colleagues quickly turns into something more dangerous. Tom’s journey takes him into public toilets, secret gay bars and unsuccessful dates with women as he grapples with his feelings of shame and disgust.
Benson is a skilled actor, making Tom feel just as real as the truth-based storyline. While we don’t always agree with his actions – there is a suit-measuring scene which features some unfortunate inappropriate touch – we do feel for him having to figure out everything in a world where he is told his identity is wrong.
In consideration of attitudes at the time, discussions surrounding gay people are brutal. Being gay is seen as a “social problem” that needs fixed, with one of the so-called experts comparing it to acne: an adolescent phase that must be cured if it goes into adulthood. Watching this live on stage really emphasises how dehumanised and stigmatised they were; it is more powerful than simply reading accounts. Even Tom’s casual use of terms that we now consider slurs is startling, but provides an honest insight into what life was like for gay people.
That being said, some of the ideas perpetuated by the “experts” are so ridiculous they’re laughable. For instance, one suggests that gay people try to convert other men because they are unable to reproduce. These moments provide some light-hearted comic relief, which is very welcomed amongst the serious subject material.
The experts, as well as other secondary characters, are played by Lohan and Pollard. They are skilled at slipping between roles, and Pollard particularly shines when playing the female characters.
The BBC’s First Homosexual is a vital and timely piece of theatre that captures an important chapter of British history that must not be forgotten. Both storylines are equally compelling, and you’ll leave the theatre with a better understanding of the discrimination gay people faced in the 1950s.
Recommended drink: A Singapore Sling, Tom’s cocktail of choice.
You can catch The BBC’s First Homosexual at Assembly George Square (The Crate) from August 12-16 at 13:00 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Image credit: Lee Baxter
Shay Mace
Romeo Lau
Finlay Clench
