★★★☆☆
Created by Jye Bryant, Here & Queer is a collection of six plays, running for a limited season at Flight Path Theatre, that jab at issues plaguing the queer community.
The short plays were written by Bryant with the intent of reintroducing himself to writing, with workshops beginning in November 2025. Since then, the plays have had readings across the United States, the United Kingdom, and, of course, Australia.
Revoked, Straight out of the Closet, and Class Act draw on the identity policing that goes on within the LGBT+ community. It’s a unique issue rife with comedic potential that Bryant harnesses well.
Class Act, in particular, is a highlight. It draws its humour from the hypocritical ‘rich gays’ of Sydney. It’s such an original idea with much potential. It’d be delightful to see it expanded into its own show.
Damien Noyce’s comedic penchant for melodrama contrasts greatly with the more subdued performances of Tim Martin and Ben Palumbo. The entire cast does a delightful job of depicting a variety of archetypes of the queer community.
Gail Waizer shines as the death doula in Dead Wrong. Her hippie crystal jargon feels fresh out of Byron Bay. The segment ends on a surprisingly poignant note, though it feels slightly tonally inconsistent given the silly nature of the other five plays.
Placing Dead Wrong before the intermission was a clever decision. It leaves space for audience reflection, but allows the plays that follow to lighten the mood.
Audio skits keep the audience entertained as the stage is reset. These are all incredibly witty and hilarious. Some of the best laughs cme from these segments.
After the intermission is The Third Toothbrush, which captures yet another contemporary issue uncommon on stage. This segment uses wit to criticise couples who introduce a third and dehumanise them. It’s empathetic to all parties.
The show is full of light comedic moments. The Gay Agenda, which is the final play, is another strong example. Martin as Agent 1 (or Gaygent 1) is silly; his voice gets funnier in every line.
Waizer, as double agent Karen, also does an excellent job. Her costume supports this; if you saw her out and about, you’d think she could be a real Karen.
The lighting by John Tweed and sound by Alex Trexona is simple and effective. So too is the stage design. The stage in the majority of the plays is just a couch, which adds to the homely, yet camp setting.
Here & Queer is a wonderfully charming show with a lot of heart. Though it falters in some of its messaging, it’s well worth checking out this Pride Month.
Here & Queer runs to 13 June at Flight Path Theatre. 9b/142 Addison Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204.
Tickets are available here.
Website: https://www.flightpaththeatre.org/whats-on/here-and-queer
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/flightpaththeatre/
Photo credits: Glenn Watson
