Beautiful Thing from Disley Theatrical Productions was staged at Storyhouse this week

Beautiful Thing is an urban love story which captures how it feels to be a teenager, coming of age and the pangs of first love. Troubled teen Jamie (Jack Marsh) lives with his feisty mum, Sandra (Catherine Bryant) on a rundown council estate in South East London, represented by a simple yet effective set within the Garret Theatre at the Storyhouse. When his neighbour and classmate Ste (Jake Cross) gets beaten by his alcoholic father one night, Sandra suggests he stay with them and sleep ‘top-to-tail’ with Jamie.

Bryant’s comedy timing as the loud, brash, attention-seeking Sandra is highly entertaining, particularly when all five characters are on stage together.  Abi Hoarty is outstanding in the role of Leah, the Mama Cass obsessed neighbour – especially in the second act when she takes LSD and believes that she is the dead singer.  Sandra’s ‘artist’ boyfriend Tony (Dan Costello) puts in a superb performance as the latest in transient string of boyfriends.

Both actors, Jack Marsh and Jake Cross play the bedroom scenes with the right amount of teen- awkwardness. Jamie appears quite brave about his sexuality whereas Ste comes across as more vulnerable – their scenes together are well played with the right balance of fuzzy warmth and sexual tension.  Another success for Disley Theatrical Productions, who always cast their pieces so well.

Jonathan Harvey’s writing is brilliant; and Phil Edwards’ direction manages to bring out humour and nuances in the script.  I have to admit that, whilst it was a little too slow in pace at some points for me, I thoroughly enjoyed it.  It felt nostalgic yet timeless, and managed to be both specific and universal. Uplifting, moving, funny and wise, it really was a ‘Beautiful Thing’. 

Thanks to our reviewer Fiona