Northbound Boy, staged at the King’s Head Theatre, stars Neil Ashton as Ken, Sarah Moyle as Aunt Ivy, and Cormac Hyde-Corrin as Rory. The play opens with Rory, a nineteen-year-old hitchhiking his way to Blackpool. It’s during this journey that he meets the older Ken, who offers him a ride at a service station.
The set design for the production is minimalist, consisting of a simple sofa, chair, and table to represent Ken’s living room. Despite the minimalism, the fast-paced dialogue delivered by Neil Ashton and the charm exuded by Cormac Hyde-Corrin quickly draw you into the world of the play, making you forget the simplicity of the surroundings.
While the play takes time to reveal its direction, it soon becomes clear that it is an exploration of the different ways homosexuality and the experience of growing up gay have impacted individuals across generations. Ken’s experiences as a gay man were shaped by an era marked by widespread homophobia and hate crimes, a time when society was far less accepting. His struggles with slurs, isolation, and a lack of companionship because of his sexuality are evident.
In contrast, Rory’s experience reflects a more liberal society, where people are generally more open and where hookups and cruising have become normalized. The chemistry between Ashton and Hyde-Corrin is compelling, effectively highlighting the societal changes over the years and how they have influenced personal experiences and identities.
However, despite the strong performances and the intriguing dynamic between the characters, the storyline feels underdeveloped. The pacing is brisk, and the play ends rather abruptly, leaving the audience with a sense that it could have delved deeper into its themes.
Overall, Northbound Boy delivers strong performances and engaging chemistry between the actors. While the minimalistic set serves its purpose, the play’s potential is somewhat undermined by its brief length and the sense that it could have explored its narrative further. It’s an enjoyable, thought-provoking performance that touches on important issues with a dark comedic edge, but it ultimately leaves you wanting more.
Reviewer: Zain Russell
Reviewed: 15th August 2024
North West End UK Rating: