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 6^th July with tickets available from https://manchester.ssboxoffice.com/events/wasteman/

Reviewer: Scot Cunningham

Reviewed: 5^th July 2023

North West End UK Rating: