Who's queer? Milk Presents - Self Service

By E.L.Hardy

I've seen two completely different devised pieces today, both exploring the portrayal of gender and sexuality in popular culture. Sexual politics isn't a new topic in theatre but there is an overwhelming amount of it surfacing in the makeshift venues of the Edinburgh fringe this year. There's a lot to be said, and if you can't say it here then you can't say it anywhere.

This rugged, punchy gem too has a lot to say - that, for example, queer won't "deep fry your Apple Mac" or "cause unseasonal flooding in the south east." Phew! But, aside from a feisty, feminist punk anthem and the occasional air punch, 'Milk Presents: self service' isn't angry or in your face. Director and performer Lucy Doherty is smarter than that. Milk presents is sweet and delicate and tender, reminiscent of early 70s children's television and silent movies . Rudimentary animation on a classroom projector, blonde wigs and hand-held microphones make the show feel timeless - deliberately bare and organic. And yet slick verbatim sections, with accurate lip syncing and voiceovers, are technical, sharp and powerful. This cabaret deliberately combines visionary and innovative theatrical techniques with legato, rugged, lackadaisical charm. The effect of which is disorientation and the possibility of a new perspective. Is anything what it appears to be? Do we become anything other than queer in our quest to proudly be exactly that and what does any of it mean anyway?

There is a touch of sloppiness among the ingenuity - the odd glitch that interrupts the hypnotic and mysterious adventure, or the very occasional gimmicky moment. (Upon entry, two audience members certainly get more than they bargained for). But the main problem for Milk Presents, as was the case when I saw it anyway, is a lack of atmosphere. This show needs audience response and bums on seats. If it can fill the house, it will have a beautiful triumph on its hands. It won't necessarily teach its Edinburgh fringe audience anything new - it's not radical to desire a life free from preconception - but as society grows increasingly deaf to the white noise of anger and protest, the message is reborn and delivered here afresh through a rare and joyous work of art.

PS in short:

Poetry, experimentation and a buttock dance to Madonna's Like A Prayer. This the most enjoyable and memorable (if not the slickest) 'frank discussion' you will have ever participated in.

★★★★ #UNBORING

#reviews