In his debut hour, David Ian attempts a huge feat: to answer the question that many gay men think about their entire lives. That question: what is a “perfect gay” and, more importantly, is he one himself? The answer? Well, that would be telling…
One of the best LGBT shows to see this Fringe
David Ian struts on stage with a huge smile and a beauty pageant sash (there’s a matching crown as well, but it would probably mess up his flowing Jennifer Aniston hair). First up is a science lesson – what qualities make up a perfect gay? Many things it turns out! The nodding heads of the gay men in the audience make me think we have a few experts in. After setting the hilarious foundations for the show, Ian gets into the nitty gritty. His gay origin story, which includes a couple of straight flatmates, the Wimpy restaurant chain and Spice Girls wallpaper, is such a joy to listen to. My favourite thing about Ian’s material is how direct it is in discussing queer life and culture. Whether Ian is talking about the god-awful necessity of Drag Race or a manic seven-night-stay in Las Vegas, nothing is watered down or sanitised. The show is gloriously filthy - enough to make the straights feel uncomfortable but the gays feel seen. This is most definitely not Heartstopper, nor should it be.
What really touches me about this show is the overall message. In today’s society, it seems queer men especially hold themselves to a standard that is unattainable – being a “perfect gay”. This show dispels those myths and makes us laugh along the way. This is a show I wish I had seen when I was a gay teenager. As a 32-year-old, it gives me hope that younger queer people can come to this show and, afterwards, know that everything is going to be okay because David Ian is in their corner. I really think this is a special show. The laughs, fears and tears packed into this hour make it one of the best LGBT shows to see this Fringe.
