***** (5 stars)
“A Sparkling Diamond!”
Becoming somewhat of a rarity amongst the festival is late night slots hosting quality drama instead of the plethora of Stand-up comedians. There are thankfully still a few companies willing to brave the city’s venues long after the sun has gone down and Cried Wolf Productions debut at the Fringe is one of the Sparkling Diamonds that shine brightly in the moonlight of city soaked in culturing offerings for the month of August.
Sissy Boy is a one man tour de force performance from Jack Bickford who writes what feels like an autobiographical coming of age story of a Bristol Boy who expresses his sexual desires as a humiliation kink driven teenager who is infatuated by his online Domme Mistress, Sex and all its proclivities are so often Taboo and never spoken about in a honest and public way, this stellar play addresses that in admittedly very adult way but also one that questions the audiences’ own desires and insecurities.
Jack’s performance is raw, vital and filled with vitriol but equally emotional, truthful and endlessly engaging. I went it expecting this play to be taken from a viewpoint of gay man but refreshingly it leans into a heterosexual that is questioning sexuality and gender and discovering who and what he is.
There is great deal of bravery in the piece too with the Bristol boy talking openly of his fetish for women’s Knickers, stockings and heels, his desire to be controlled and the connections and so often disconnections to those he loves in his life. The ending where he questions the cost of the journey his life has taken thus far is sobering and deeply moving in equal measures.
Sissy Boy is a very special play that resonates long after leaving the theatre. With a short run that comes to a close on August 15th this is a must see despite its late night slot.
Sissy Boy, The Fringe, Haldane Theatre, theSpace @ Surgeons Hall Runs Until 15th August for more information go to: Sissy Boy | Edinburgh Festival Fringe
ScotsGay Arts 