**** (4 stars)
“Packed with Truth!”
Originally developed in 2024 at a Slainte! Theatre scratch night before being developed into a full length one act play written by and starring Fraser Kelsey as “Ollie” with dramaturg and direction from Charlotte Anne-Tilley and featuring Helen Main as “Siobhan”.
Following sell out performances at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe and successful transfer to off west end in London, Desperate Wee Gay Boy! Returns for a full run at this year’s Fringe in a show that’s packed with comedy and truth in equal measure to the point it almost feels semi-autobiographical.
Kelsey plays “Ollie” a Scottish boy living his best life in the heart of London’s Gay scene living with his best friend “Siobhan” (an incredibly talented turn from Helen Main). Its Ollie’s birthday so he hits G.A.Y Late at Heaven with twink abandonment for an evening fueled by white powder, booze and huge dollop of sex in exploration of self-worth and confusion of what is love, being loved and simply being used as a sex toy?
Fraser Kelsey turns in an extraordinary performance as Ollie as the vast bulk of the play is “one man” style, yes, the language is rough and ready and Kelsey imbues the character with a great deal of energy but he also allows the intimate moments to shine through in an emotionally truthful way.
Can this one night of abandonment really be Ollie’s turning point so he see’s his actions have consequences not just for himself but those lives he touches? Thanks to a clever “twist” its revealed that Desperate wee gay boy is a coming-of-age story we can all identify with and that makes this show a real charmer.
Kelsey needs to watch his pacing to ensure that feeling of rushing the play will go and show itself will find its own pace but other than that, this is a truly engaging and entertaining way to start any evening on the Fringe!
Desperate Wee Gay Boy!, The Fringe, Venue 61, Belly Dancer @ Underbelly, Cowgate runs until Sunday 30th August for info go to: DESPERATE WEE GAY BOY | Edinburgh Festival Fringe
ScotsGay Arts 