“the quest for hedonism with scant regard for the predictable consequences“
A man meets a mysterious stranger on a night out in Vauxhall; a sexy poster-boy gets taken to a chill-out by a porn star; a fag-hag named Cath is pushed to her limits at the party of the century; a sexual health worker struggles with the burden of community outreach.
Delivered as a series of interlinked monologues, Patrick Cash’s work takes a look at the ‘horny and high’ chemsex culture prevailing within some gay (and straight) cultures, in disturbing detail.
A near empty stage other than a neon light frame and a chair. In turn, a series of characters appear and tell us their story – each at first putting a positive spin on their situation; the highs, the hot sex, the immense euphoria …
Then the darkness. The reality. The play tackles the devastating effect chemsex can have. The dangers each of the users puts themselves in for their moment of ‘fun’. From unsafe sex to fatal overdoses, Chemsex Monologues highlights it all.
Other than Old Mother Meph (the odious host of the slam parties), the characters come across as fairly likeable everyday folk (other than all the men appear to have rock hard abs); the type of guys (and girl) you’d probably know – the type who lives for the weekend and to party!
But each character has their own flaws, drawn as with any addiction into a situation they rapidly lose control over. This is a tale of human of weakness at its extreme – the quest for hedonism with scant regard for the predictable consequences.
We’re given a very real insight into a darker world, but this has the potential to be much harder hitting. While the comedy character, safe sex worker Daniel is fun to watch (and nicely played by Matthew Hodson), is this the kind of piece that needs laughs? If Chemsex Monologues is meant as a cautionary tale, it doesn’t quite strike the right balance and needs a clearer message about the dangers.
You’ll probably come away knowing a few more drugs related expressions than before you went in, and you’ll certainly be moved but just not quite enough.
Photography by – Elliott Franks
Chemsex Monologues is at the King’s Head Theatre until 9th April. Tickets via:
After a critically acclaimed launch at the end of 2016, Dragonflies Theatre’s new production returns in 2017, exploring HIV amongst gay men through a series of interwoven stories. Writer Patrick Cash and director Luke Davies continue their work, including show The Clinic and The Chemsex Monologues, in bringing important queer stories to the UK stage with The HIV Monologues, which stars inspiration for the film Pride and one of the first people to diagnosed with HIV in the UK Jonathan Blake.
Alex knows nothing about HIV but knew he should have worn the power bottom singlet. Nick is his Tinder date who’s just been diagnosed positive, struggling with self-worth. Their date is going amazingly until Nick discloses his diagnosis… And Alex reacts in the worst way. Through meeting Irene, an Irish nurse who treated AIDS in the 1980s, and Barney, who was saved by the 1996 medication, Alex gets on PrEP, but will he be able to win Nick back?
Post-show, the company have arranged a series of talks with high-profile specialists on HIV and queer theatre, including: international chemsex expert and gay men’s wellbeing promoter David Stuart; playwrights Alexis Gregory (Safe) and Peter Darney (5 Guys Chillin’); Chief Executive of GMFA Ian Howley, leading HIV expert Professor Jane Anderson; Service Development Manager for THT Justin Harbottle; Executive Director at NAM aidsmap Matthew Hodson; lead HIV consultant for 56 Dean Street Dr Alan Mcowan; curator of Naked Boys Reading and academic Dr Justin Hunt; Lead HIV/Hep C nurse at 56 Dean Street Joe Phillips; PrEP expert Professor Sheena McCormack; clinic manager of 56 Dean Street Leigh Chislett; AIDS nurse Jane Bruton; and author of ‘Straight Jacket: How To Be Gay And Happy’ Matthew Todd.
Listing
The HIV Monologues
February 2nd 2017 – February 19th 2017 Monday – Saturday, 7pm (not 15th) matinees 3pm on Sundays (not 12th)
