The 2018 Legacy Project features a great selection of young theatre artists, in the wonderful intimacy of the upper Q Theatre.
It’s a beautiful youth voice; that gorgeous age between teenage angst and having it all together, when things are still swirly, raw and faced with trepidation. When youth have that sleek, gangling self-confidence – it’s as if you can almost see the child and the 60-something adult at once.
The Legacy Project was full of hilarity which brought about such a tenderness, and a leaning in, despite sometimes straining to hear from the very back row. The characters were full of life, and some were very much larger than life, while others were tragically relatable. While some struggled to entirely fill the theatre with the relaxed presence of more seasoned performers, the storylines were enchanting and heartwarming, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable hour.
It was really fabulous to see the lesbian love stories celebrated – the story of women who don’t define themselves by how big their shaved patches are… but who are quirky and in charge and very much lesbian all the same.
Messy bisexuality was also hilariously covered, reflecting the often truer nature of our sex lives rather than our socially perceived identities. Be prepared for some fantastically comical staged sex scenes without anything crossing the line, the nuance and inference were immensely enjoyable without being at all coy.
The variety of stories in the project is commendable, with some fantastic embodied performance, outstanding solos, and great lines.
From hot boys who look like they have just thrown their skin in the wash and come out fluffy and warm and perfect, to the heartfelt, hilarious and all round enjoyable stories – this is a well worthwhile evening.
Although it is a bit top-heavy with male performances and storylines, there were some outstanding expressions of masculine love, and indefinable grey areas covered. With essentially four gay and two lesbian stories, we will all have to cross our fingers that next year’s project exposes some of the delightful in-betweens of our community – the time is ripe for more queer and trans stories to be seen among and between our brothers and sisters.
Also enjoyable were the tables of enthusiastic faces having a drink afterwards, the hum in the air and the joy of being among our own company. As not-straight life becomes more and more blended with straight life, it shows the delight we still have of being with each other, recognising ourselves both on and off stage.
Elspeth Fougere
