Review: THE MP, AUNTY MANDY & ME
“The MP, Aunty Mandy and Me” is a Thought-provoking, funny, sexy and entertaining one man show from Emmerson and Ward Productions and Curve. Delivered and written by Rob Ward this one act, 75 minute production presents a bittersweet tale of political campaigns,
sexual consent and steam trains!
Dom (Played by Rob Ward) wants more than anything else to be an #instagay #influencer but it’s tough when no one likes your posts, you can’t find a bloke who shares your love of trains and you live with your MDMA popping, Simply Red loving mum in a small northern
village five miles from the nearest gay. He’d love a fabulous life with the A-Gays in the city, but his social anxiety prevents this from being a reality. It’s all a bit of an effort. Then one day, a chance encounter with his local MP turns everything upside down. But in pursuit of
the life he thinks he wants; just how much does Dom have to give up?
This gripping story explores consent, coercion and grooming within the gay male community with biting humour and contemporary social commentary. It is presented in association with Survivors; a Manchester based charity for survivors of male sexual abuse and is endlessly engaging.
Ward’s is an excellent performer. His delivery is fluent and slick, and having come from the Edinburgh Festival, this is a singularly brave piece of theatre that is very engaging.
With laugh-out-loud lines, social commentary and traditional storytelling, yet a bit of a sting in its tail, I would highly recommend this piece of theatre and its at Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester until 25th September, before moving to Stafford, Blackpool, York, Hull and Harrogate amongst others.
Dean Thomas-Lowde for Ancoats Plus
