After clinching the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting in 2022, 'Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz' debuted to great acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe. Following its success there, the show has embarked on a UK tour this Autumn/Winter season.
Written and performed by Nathan Queeley-Dennis, 'Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz' is a vibrant one-man exploration of modern romance through the eyes of a young Black Brummie. Against a backdrop where traditional romance feels lost to more fleeting encounters, our protagonist yearns for that ‘90s R&B music video outside in the rain kind of love.’
Music beats at the heart of the play. Each woman Nathaniel meets bears the name of a Destiny’s Child member, as he searches for his Beyoncé. A hilarious sequence featuring various short segments of Beyoncé music brings the house down, a perfect pairing to Queeley-Dennis’s sharp, relatable writing. Where music really takes things to the next level though is in a scene at a Techno rave where feelings of not being welcomed in the space are felt. These themes of belonging resonate universally, particularly with marginalised communities who have felt similarly unseen.
Beyond romance, 'Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz' delves into racism, identity, masculinity, and friendship. At its most poignant it addresses the tug-of-war identity experienced by children of immigrants, balancing inherited values with contemporary British culture. While some moments could go deeper to further amplify these themes, the play feels refreshingly authentic. Nathan Queeley-Dennis effortlessly holds the audience in the palm of his hand, with an unmistakable charm and buckets of charisma throughout the 60 minute performance. With such a strong writing debut, he’s a rising talent to watch.
'Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz' runs at the Royal Exchange Theatre until Wednesday, October 30 2024.
Note: My ticket was gifted. Irrespective of whether a show is gifted or bought, I always ensure that my reviews are fair and based on my honest opinion alone.