Kit Sinclair’s new work ’30 and Out’ chronicles the ins and outs of understanding one’s gender and sexual expression, albeit not in one’s teens. Based on Sinclair’s honest journey, the solo show also intersperses audio recordings of interviews conducted with lesbians from diverse ages and lived realities. The show is funny, engaging and heartwarming.
Kit Sinclair is such a talented artist; with her wit, charm, and an eclectic multiverse of characters, she brings to the front so many nuances of accepting oneself and allowing them to flourish as lesbian/non-binary. Following a successful sell-out Brighton Fringe run, ’30 and Out’ is spending this week in London at The Pleasance, ahead of concluding its mini tour at 53two in Manchester. Presented by Prentice Productions and assisted by her real-life partner Rebecca Prentice. The play offers an excellent launchpad for essential conversations around new rules to criminalize queer folk. The show is accessible, with captions running through the show projected behind the actor. The only thing missing from the production was a discussion after the presentation and creating a community in person.
Sinclair weaves personal stories of finding love to using waxing creme for the first time to create a cocktail of relatedness and sweet acceptance. The play can be your Lolo reassuring you that you are not alone. It can be your Friday evening laugh riot on how doc martins seem to unanimously mean you are Queer and might even leave you moist-eyed. One often needs to see art that can mirror the community’s diverse experiences on stage. The time and scenic jumps from the personal to political realities of being queer. The stickiness of finding one’s own, from the leather harness to basement clubs. ’30 and Out’ is a clarion call to community solidarity, finding one’s own, and taking the time it takes. Missed the show? Strongly recommend listening to the interviews – www.interviewsandout.com/interviews
Playing until 3rd June in London before moving to 53two in Manchester next week. https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/30-and-out
Reviewer: Anisha Pucadyil
Reviewed: 31st May 2023
North West End UK Rating: