IN CONVERSATION WITH GRAHAM NORTON
Waterloo East Theatre
★★★★
“A captivating and moving story”
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to question your sexuality? Meet Mark, a troubled teen trying to navigate life who finds it difficult to open up about his concerns surrounding sex and family/school life.
Written by Simon Perrott and directed by Gerald Armin, In Conversation With Graham Norton is an insight into how the younger generation explore their sexuality and the challenges it can bring. Mark, played by Jamie Kaye does a remarkable job at bringing his character’s story to life. His jaunty, true to life performance and excellent delivery of dialogue has the audience gripped from start to finish.
Graham Norton has a big impact in this hour long play (though not actually in person!). Mark feels like Graham is the only person to whom he can talk to in depth about what he’s going through and his yet to experience intimate relationships. Naturally talking to a photograph of him propped up on his bedside chair is a problem shared and a weight lifted. Family life is somewhat of a rollercoaster describing a sister who can be a bit of a bitch. This story also touches on awkward situations in public spaces and how young men (Mark) have a frequent need to masturbate leading to well … let’s just say a rather aroused but shocking encounter with maybe a family pet.
The subject of bullying at school comes up which even includes Mark’s sister of all people! This feeling of loneliness leads to him joining an online ‘Me and You’ group for individuals who, like him are finding it difficult to accept themselves either because of who they are or their appearance. He finds a good friend in someone from the group but be prepared, it’s an emotional one.
Gareth McCloud’s sound design brings clarity to the production with music influences which resonate with young people in similar situations of trying to find themselves. Jonathan Simpson’s vibrant lighting design adds to the overall feel of Waterloo East’s unique, homelike set design which is cleverly displayed as a bedroom with a single bed, a radio and a bookcase of meaningful books and vinyl.
In Conversation With Graham Norton is a very well produced play, tackling awkward subjects people would find difficult to talk about in every day life. A captivating and moving story with some dark turns make it a definite must see!
IN CONVERSATION WITH GRAHAM NORTON
Waterloo East Theatre
Reviewed on 13th November 2025
by Emily East
Photography by Robert Piwko
Previously reviewed at this venue:
THE CRUMPLE ZONE | ★★★ | November 2024
STARTING HERE, STARTING NOW | ★★★★★ | July 2021
