North West

Wasteman – King’s Arms, Salford

In a sequin-studded change in his career path, Joe Leather whimsically recounts how he traded hi-vis for high heels in this endearing one-hour play.

Despite dabbling in drag in former times, regrettable events have led him to boxing up his dreams. However, a new opportunity tempts our refuse-collecting queen to rediscover their passion for performing. Leather embraces his ‘imaginary’ audience and entertains us with engrossing words, song and dance while jumping between a past and present narrative.

His stage presence is cheeky and charming, and he capably juggles additional minor roles with expressive mannerisms and accents.

While there are plenty of funnies laced throughout the script, a quantity over quality situation in terms of humour is sometimes apparent: where too many gags are crammed into one piece of dialogue, weaker ones come and go without a pay-off while others are missed completely.

Encouraging take-home messages about gender fluidity and euphoria as well as a little nod to kink-positivity make Wasteman a wholesome work of art.

A treasure in the trash!

Wasteman continues at The King’s Arms, Salford until 6th July with tickets available from https://manchester.ssboxoffice.com/events/wasteman/

Reviewer: Scot Cunningham

Reviewed: 5th July 2023

North West End UK Rating:

Rating: 4 out of 5.
Scot Cunningham

Recent Posts

Slave: A Question of Freedom – Riverside Studios

Slave: A Question of Freedom is a powerful performance that transports the audience to the…

3 days ago

Cirque du Magique – Wolverhampton Grand

I’m sure I don’t need to remind you of the great Philip Astley who, in…

3 days ago

The Sculptor – Banshee Labyrinth, Edinburgh

A fascinating introduction to the world of ‘the anatomical Venus’, we are immediately presented in…

3 days ago

How To Be Brave – Hull Truck Theatre

The Godber Studio was very well-attended on Friday evening, when Hull Truck Theatre hosted How…

3 days ago

Woman | Women – Rowena Gander

A new stage production is fusing performance art and physical theatre to explore how lesbian…

5 days ago

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time – Forum Theatre

Well, where do I start with this review? Being a Stockport lad myself I am…

5 days ago