Cumpig (Sean Connor) and Manpussy (Marc MacKinnon) burst into Gordon’s (Brian Evans) world when, feeling trapped in his safe and boring life he makes an adventurous Grindr match which lands him at a sex party in Leith. Over the course of a few days his self-image is dismantled and rebuilt. When the trio emerge from their drug fueled, sex addled, European adventure he is a truer, more complete version of himself.
While this play is certainly explicit in its discussion and description of chem sex, physically there is very little sex depicted beyond a playful grope and some suggestive gestures. This helps ensure that the deeper themes of the play are not distracted from by titillation and shock value. The cast are a tight knit team that weave around each other seamlessly. Led by MacKinnons hilarious narration, buoyed by Connor’s irrepressible energy, and grounded by Evans’ wide eyed eagerness the audience are invited into this bizarre subculture and encouraged to humanise its inhabitants.
A particularly heartrending moment comes when Manpussy (real name Tom) can’t get into the club because he’s not in sports wear. He panics because the last time he and Cumpig (real name Marcus) were here Marcus was put in serious danger and the thought of being separated terrifies him. Of course, in keeping with the absurd and hilarious tone of the show he exits and returns in a ridiculously over the top drag get up that steals the scene, and gets him into the club.
Simon “Simonotron” Eilbecks techno soundscape underscores the entire play. The DJ being on stage with the cast means he can play off their rhythm, creating a slightly different experience each time which helps the action feel free flowing and organic, despite how tightly choreographed many sections are.
This play is just what it says it is, an Ode To Joy. The pearl clutchers of the world may not approve but writer James Ley implores you to do what makes you truly happy.