This quirky and off the wall satire on religion written and performed by BeeJay Aubertin-Clinton re-imagines the relationship between Judas and Jesus from a queer perspective.
Aubertin-Clinton has written a clever and sometimes witty monologue that does not seek to offend, rather it highlights the broader issues of relationships and queer identity. All the religious tropes and stories about Judas and his special man are performed at a campy breakneck speed, occasionally stopping for very brief interludes of emotional depth, which sometimes seemed at odds with the comedic elements of Aubertin-Clinton’s dazzling and sharp script.
The dialogue is crisp and fresh, and you are immediately drawn into Aubertin- Clinton’s warm and imaginative character, he holds your attention throughout and really knows how to tell a story, all great fun but, I have to say for me, the balance of comedy and emotional resonance just didn’t feel right and sometimes it was quite jarring.
Nevertheless, its heart is in the right place, it has many admirers and BeeJay steals the show as poor old Judas, it is a touching and original performance and I look forward to his next project.
Judas continues via GM Fringe Online until the 30th September at https://manchester.ssboxoffice.com/events/judas/
Reviewer: Kiefer Williams
Reviewed: 1st September 2021
North West End UK Rating: ★★★