‘Second Class Queer’ delivers an emotionally charged and deeply human exploration of identity, belonging and grief. Written, performed and produced by Kumar Muniandy, the one-person play uses the framework of a Berlin speed-dating event to unpack the experiences of Krishna, a queer Malaysian-Indian man navigating racism, homophobia and the exhausting complexities of existing between conflicting cultures.
What makes this production compelling is not technical polish, but the honesty of its storytelling and writing and the charisma of Muniandy. The script confronts difficult themes without losing sight of humour or vulnerability, allowing moments of discomfort to sit alongside genuinely touching reflections on loneliness, shame and connection. Muniandy’s performance carries a quiet intensity that keeps the audience engaged even when the structure occasionally becomes repetitive. His portrayal of Krishna feels lived-in rather than theatrical, which gives the piece much of its emotional force, and by the end, beneath all the humour, hurt and frustration, there is such vulnerability in Krishna that you are left simply wanting to give him a hug.
Technically, the production is less assured. The heavy reliance on pre-recorded voiceovers creates a static rhythm that at times slows the momentum of the piece, and some of the pacing feels uneven. Certain, lighting, visual and projection elements appear more functional than fully integrated into the storytelling, and there are moments where sharper direction or tighter editing could have elevated the production considerably.
Yet despite these shortcomings, ‘Second Class Queer’ succeeds because its message lands with sincerity, heart and emotional clarity. It is a thoughtful and courageous piece of honest theatre that asks difficult questions about identity, prejudice and self-acceptance without becoming overly “preachy”. While technically very rough around the edges, the strength of Muniandy’s writing, and the authenticity of the storytelling make it a memorable and worthwhile evening of theatre.
‘Second Class Queer’ runs at Riverside Studios until 30th May 2026 and tickets are available here: https://riversidestudios.co.uk/whats-on/SK-second-class-queer
Reviewer: Alan Stuart Malin
Reviewed: 26th May 2026
North West End UK Rating: