Love that’s fresh and still unspoiled: that’s the core of this wickedly funny and quietly affecting drama.
Jonathan Harvey’s play about council estate life and two teenage boys clumsily and nervously discovering their sexuality has aged surprisingly well for a 30-year-old text, with only the references to Cagney and Lacey and Wincey Willis really dating it.
That is both a tribute and a shame: the strength of the writing and the characters he created from what at first glance seem a stereotypical selection have weathered well (unlike Wincey). The shame is that, despite great advances, some of the attitudes to being queer live on.
Part of the play’s success is that far from being a lecturing, issues-driven piece this is a deeply comic affair. On that, Amber-May Ellis as single mum Sandra shines in her portrayal, amping up the eye rolls and aggressive aggressive smiles and delivering her lines with spot on timing. This is a brashy but still complex character.
The rest of this small tight cast are equally as impressive. Jeremiah Humphreys-Piercy as the sensitive, sport allergic Jamie is in total control and never rushes a moment, his thoughts playing across his face as clearly as any of the spoken dialogue.
Thomas Capon’s Ste is a strong foil: sullen, slightly sulky, until his broad smile – indeed his whole body – opens up when his character finds himself and the acceptance his (unseen) family deny him.
The script doesn’t deliver all the answers we need about neighbour Leah or boyfriend Tony, but Andi Ruth and Richard Vojvoda nonetheless inhabit them completely. When Leah’s trip goes bad, the whole cast comes perfectly together – but with these two leading the way.
Director Tom Scudamore has conjured together a story telling that delivers beautifully. The ending may only be a beginning for these characters, but it’s one to cherish while you can.
- Beautiful Thing continues at Sewell Barn Theatre, Norwich until 13 June 2026, tickets £12-£13.