Buy cheap tickets for Matilda the Musical
Gypsy Queen

Despite Hope Theatre Company’s name, this production did not leave me very hopeful about the issue it was raising – that of discrimination against LGBT people in sport. However, in dealing with this potentially delicate issue, Gypsy Queen achieves a good balance between funny and moving in this clever new two-hander.

Heart-breaking, raw and highly emotional, this really is one not to miss.

Writer Rob Ward, who also stars, is an extremely talented writer and performer, packing into a neat 70 minutes what many would struggle to fit into an entire novel. The play is a love story between two boxers, who must surmount the pressures from their families, religions and the masculine expectations of the sporting world. Featuring short scenes and an array of characters, Ward’s script also includes various pieces of poetic narration which help the story progress and work beautifully in the context of the play. He also cleverly strings the audience along with his characterisation of a number of the smaller characters – parts that at first seem like sketchily done stereotypes or walk-on roles become relevant as the play goes on, which caught me out more than once.

In the simple set of a changing room, Ward and Ryan Clayton play every other character that the two men meet, grabbing simple props or costumes from the changing room pegs to transform themselves. This is neatly and efficiently done: never distracting or over-the-top. Clayton shines in particular as an Irish Catholic mother. Adam Zane, who directs, has made the transitions between scenes seamless by making sure they are done entirely in character, which makes it hard to find a weak moment as each actor flows from being one character to the next. Owen Rafferty’s sound design helps with this process.

There are laugh-out-loud moments in this play, despite the seriousness of some of the content. Ward and Clayton both have excellent comic timing but can switch between huge, comic moments and tender, soft ones in a heartbeat. They both show great versatility, and it is ultimately their chemistry which makes the performance so strong. Heart-breaking, raw and highly emotional, this really is one not to miss.

Reviews by Elliot Douglas

SpaceTriplex

X The Musical

★★★
theSpace @ Surgeons Hall

2016 the Musical

★★
theSpace on North Bridge

Woolf

★★★★
theSpace on Niddry St

The Dolls of New Albion

★★
Assembly Rooms

Gypsy Queen

★★★★★
C venues – C royale

Submission

★★★★★

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

Performances

Location

The Blurb

Can two men raised to fight ever learn to love? The story of "Gorgeous" George O'Connell, bare-knuckle fighter and traveller, who enters the world of professional boxing, putting him on a collision course with his roots, his identity and his greatest fear. In the opposite corner, gay boxer Dane "The Pain" Samson, the young pretender and son of a boxing legend, is fighting his own battles, which will lead to a tragedy that neither could predict. Gypsy Queen is an unconventional love story between two fighters who discover the greatest challenge lies outside the ring.
Buy cheap tickets for Wicked
Buy cheap tickets for Matilda the Musical

Most Popular See More

Buy cheap tickets for The Lion King
The Lion King

From £46.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Stranger Things : The First Shadow
Stranger Things : The First Shadow

From £37.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Abba Voyage
Abba Voyage

From £67.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Hamilton
Hamilton

From £25.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Moulin Rouge! The Musical

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Guys and Dolls
Guys and Dolls

From £24.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Expendable
Buy cheap tickets for Dr Strangelove
Buy cheap tickets for Second Best
Buy cheap tickets for Play On
Buy cheap tickets for Les Miserables
Buy cheap tickets for Giant
Buy cheap tickets for The Cabinet Minister
Buy cheap tickets for Circa Duck Pond
Buy cheap tickets for The Duchess of Malfi
Buy cheap tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk Adult Panto