Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope – Shakespeare North Playhouse

Actor and writer Mark Farrelly’s portrayal of Quentin Crisp is mesmerizing. Under Linda Marlowe’s careful direction, Farrelly delivers a 75-minute performance that is both insightful and engaging. His ability to embody Crisp’s unique mannerisms, voice, and flamboyant style transforms this solo act into an intimate and deep theatrical experience. Naked Hope depicts Crisp at two phases of his remarkable life, firstly alone in the 60’s in his Chelsea flat convinced that life had passed him by and thirty years later as a celebrity who has conquered New York.

Crisp, born Dennis Pratt was known for his sharp wit, and Farrelly makes sure these one-liners hit with the right mix of humour and emotion. From the funny yet bittersweet line, “Sex is the last refuge of the miserable; if we do not suffer, how do we know we are alive?” to the poignant “In Soho, the world lay before me like a trapdoor,” the audience is treated to a rich tapestry of Crisp’s philosophy, full of charm and boldness.

This production goes beyond clever phrases; it explores Crisp’s identity and the struggles he faced. Farrelly highlights Crisp’s self-described status as “a minority within a minority, an effeminate homosexual.” The character’s reflections on the personal cost of his visibility, his encounters with public hostility described as “not savage but sad,” add emotional depth to the performance.

 Crisp’s quiet defiance, framed as “other cheekism,” is especially moving, showing resilience instead of mere rebellion. The production does not avoid Crisp’s controversial views. His critique of Gay Pride as “an oxymoron” and his doubting thoughts on equality politics showcase the depth of his existential musings. Statements like “If you cannot beat them, join them. If you cannot join them, grovel,” reveal Crisp as an intellectual provocateur, encouraging the audience to think beyond surface-level defiance. Farrelly makes sure that Crisp’s philosophies are not just spoken but felt. His delivery of “All that matters in life is style. Do not attempt to keep up with the Joneses; drag them down to your level; it is cheaper,” carries both humour and truth, reinforcing Crisp’s focus on individuality over social conformity.

The most powerful moment comes later in the performance when Crisp, now a celebrated figure on Broadway, confronts his own mortality. His call to “Discover who you are—and be it,” resonates deeply, and his heartfelt words—“Life is not out there; it is in here,” delivered with a gesture to his heart, leave a lasting impact on the audience.

His final message, “There is only one of each of you,” serves as a strong conclusion to a performance centred on self-acceptance and thoughtful reflection.

 Farrelly’s ability to connect with the audience, engaging them with knowing glances and dry observations, makes this an exceptional example of solo theatre at its best. He does not just impersonate Crisp—he captures his spirit, ensuring this performance is as enlightening as it is entertaining. A true celebration of individuality, courage, and wit, Mark Farrelly’s Quentin Crisp is a theatrical triumph.

Reviewer Kevin Eccleston

Reviewed:13th June 2025

North West End UK Rating: