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Review: Narcissistic Reflections on a Queer Childhood, The Hope Theatre

The Write Club Festival 2025

Summary

Rating

Good

Hilarious moments blend with heartfelt vulnerability in this courageous one-person show.

The Hope Theatre’s new writing festival, Write Club, promises to give voice to bold stories and Narcissistic Reflections on a Queer Childhood is no exception.

Written and performed by Kit Ford, the 70-minute cabaret-cum-monologue offers reflections into queerness and his trans experience. Ford masterfully delves into the characters he once admired and the carefree play that shaped his childhood and sense of self – an innocence where imagination was encouraged, gender norms weren’t imposed and “rules” were yet to be learnt.

Upon entering the theatre space, the audience sees books and clothes scattered across the stage, along with a flip chart at the back. Ford changes from his white suit into items of clothing picked up from the floor, transforming into various characters from his childhood; a pirate, Puss in Boots, Hugh Grant’s prime minister from Love Actually. There’s a single chair centre stage and a guitar propped up nearby, which Ford plays intermittently – a highlight being an original song, ‘It’s Not You, It’s Me(n)’.

For the most part, Ford’s jokes land. The audience are in hysterics about the idea of being in a metatheatrical closet and his rendition of Julie Andrews’s Confidence –nun habit outfit and all – is hilarious. Yet, often sentences aren’t finished, coupled with unnecessarily long pauses, giving the impression of an unpolished script.

But there are tender moments of vulnerability, like when Ford, as a child, confessed to their mum that they wanted to play Romeo in Romeo and Juliet. These instances leave the audience reflecting on the relationship between gender and performance.

It is clear that inspiration has been drawn from confessional theatre and comedy routines by queer creatives, such as Rob Madge and Hannah Gadsby. Yet, Ford’s constant changing between genres is slightly confusing and makes the narrative feel disjointed, requiring refinement for better cohesion.

The lighting is simple but effective; when Ford discusses pirates and the seven seas, there are blue-tinted hues, when he sings and plays the guitar, a single spotlight shines on him, creating an intimate atmosphere. This focus results in an even more emotionally charged moment. Occasionally, Ford lip-syncs to audio clips from films, but these feel redundant and detract from the performance’s impact. Ultimately, Ford’s show is an intriguing exploration of their childhood, evoking reflections on one’s own experiences. It’s led me to contemplate how playing and embodying others can bring you closer to your true self.


Written and performed by: Kit Ford
Directed by: Manon Harvey
Produced by: Raffaella Sero

Narcissistic Reflections on a Queer Childhood has concluded its current run. Further information about Kit Ford can be found here.

Amelia Braddick

Amelia Braddick is a creative and ambitious journalist with a particular interest in arts and culture. She has experience writing across a variety of platforms, including print, digital and social media. When she's not reviewing plays, she'll be drafting her own, walking her miniature dachshund or getting far too competitive at a pub quiz.

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