When I first started going to the theatre a million years ago, I quickly discovered I was part of a unique tribe of folk. That feeling only intensified as London’s queer scene started to grow and I became a regular at places like Above The Stag and Kings Head. That sense of community has given me as much joy over the years as the shows I’ve seen. So, it was a delight to meet and speak to people in a similar position at last month’s Musical Con. It’s the largest gathering of musical theatre luvvies and industry bods of its kind in the world. Thousands of theatre devotees turned up ‘dressed to kill’ in their favourite West End character for a weekend of entertainment, workshops, speeches, masterclasses, and meet and greets. The atmosphere was truly magical, as people happily mingled among the theatre merchandise to the sound of some well-known and some not-so-well-known showtunes.
I was lucky enough to grab some one-on-one time with our very own Layton Williams, who spent the whole weekend meeting fans and connecting with people who clearly adore him. It was so heartwarming to watch Layton from the sidelines as young fans interacted and admired someone who is fast becoming a true gay role model. It reminded me of the power of representation and how much I wished something so positive like Musical Con had been around when I was growing up.
But it wasn’t my only showbiz outing I attended recently. I finally got to see Joe Locke make his West End debut in Clarkston at the Trafalgar Studios. Press night was epic, with stars from stage and screen, including many of Joe’s Heartstopper colleagues drinking champagne alongside the likes of Andrew Scott and Lenny Henry. I managed to grab a quick chat and pic with the man of the moment, who seemed completely overwhelmed by the love and support for him, the other cast members and the show in general. All three actors were sensational and told what some might say is an old and perhaps outdated queer story with depth and conviction. It’s fair to say that after this stonking performance, Locke will not be a stranger to the West End for long. Clarkston is on at the Trafalgar Studies until 22nd November.
I also popped down to one of my favourite little theatres to see Jimmy Essex and Billy Walker in Happy Ending at Waterloo East Theatre. I had high hopes for Ronnie Larsen’s latest show to open in London. He’s known for the likes of 10 Naked Men and Making Porn, so he has form with creating some fun and fabulous queer theatre. This two-hander had the potential to develop into something smutty and rather seedy, but Happy Ending is actually a really lovely and intelligent look at a part of the gay scene that’s rarely talked about. It was pure joy, full of humour, warmth and reality — all told by two exceptionally sexy men who were wearing very little! I, for one, hope it returns to a London stage soon.
Panto season is almost upon us, and I know there’s often a race to see who can open first, so I look forward to seeing who wins this year. Although not strictly panto, I’m off to see Elf next week, which normally signals the start of the Christmas season for me. After years at the Dominion, it moves to the Aldwych, so I can’t wait to see it in a new space. The long-awaited Steps musical Here and Now sweeps into the New Wimbledon from the 4th November during its tour of the UK, so I expect to see some familiar faces at this show, which is guaranteed to be the campest thing in town while it’s here. Whatever you’re seeing, please enjoy, and we’ll catch up next month.
Follow Thomas throughout the month on his Instagram @thomasmagill1
