There have been many plays, movies, and television series about the gay experience before Stonewall and what it was like to live in a more closeted society. However, the stories we hear are usually from the United States. We were blessed a few years back with “It’s A Sin” talking about the AIDS crisis in the United Kingdom, which really shone a light on a topic that people don’t really think about here.

“The BBC’s First Homosexual” is an exploration in to 1950s Britain and their attitudes around homosexuality. It is told in a series of scenes flip-flopping between two scenarios. In the first, two BBC employees are creating a radio documentary about homosexuality in the midst of repeated arrests for indecency. In the second, a young lad in a tailor shop struggles to come to terms with his sexuality, these scandals of indecency striking fear in his heart.

It is essential to hear these stories as it really opens up your eyes to how ridiculous the claims around homosexuality were at the time, that this was all about sex and not love. How can someone form a long lasting, loving relationship when they fear being arrested and disgraced around every corner?

The fact that segments of the show are transcripts of an actual broadcast is a fascinating look into how this subject matter was handled at the time, even if it is heartbreaking.
This is an important play for our time. It scares me to see how society is starting to regress and become less accepting and inclusive. Now more than ever, we need to remind people of love, compassion, and humanity. We must never go back to the way it was before, and plays like this are a reminder for our social regression.

One thing I must say is that I did miss was the Fringe speech at the end. It took nothing away from the show, but without the speech, it kind of felt like the festival was secondary to the production. It’s just a nice way to connect with your audience and thank them, along with supporting other productions at the festival.

But that’s just a small caveat from me that doesn’t take away from the fact that this show could easily transfer to a theatrical run in an established theatre, a film adaptation, or, who knows, maybe even a wee BBC documentary. 😉
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