**** 4 Stars
“Delivered with a raw intensity “
Shining a light into the often-dark world of working in a Sauna, especially a gay sauna could lead to many old tropes being re-treaded. However, Sauna Boy is a step apart as its semi-autobiographical with acclaimed writer and director Dan Ireland-Reeves reflects on his time working in a gay men’s sauna on England’s south coast.
Dan has navigated a world of Lust, friendships and unorthodox working relationships and has seen the power of true friendships outweighing the darkest of sexual desires from men who see saunas as nothing more than a way to satisfied there most depraved wishes.
This 70-minute play pitch perfectly in its evening slot is delivered with a raw intensity that grips from the off thanks to Ireland-Reeves capturing performance that embraces strong language, nudity and a lighting quick pace that belies its 70th minute run time. There are a couple of moments where the narrative does start to repeat itself but the execution of the performance to drive home the cost of the choices made retains the audiences undivided attention with ease.
The Fringe by its very essence is the testing ground of theatre to push its boundaries and “Sauna Boy” achieves that with grace and style and is a play that is deeply personal as it relatable to all of us who simply wish to be love. The dark side of working in the adult industries in laid bare in a show that wears its heart on its sleeve and will leave you touched in many ways. Engrossing fringe theatre doesn’t come any better so be sure to see the show before it closes its Fringe run on Saturday 16th August.
Sauna Boy, Theatre 3 at The Space @Surgeons Hall (Venue 53) For more info go to:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/sauna-boy
ScotsGay Arts 