Torch Song Trilogy review, Menier

Manhandled

Harvey Fierstein's Torch Song Trilogy was a warm journey through icy rapids when it opened in the 1980s - a fast-paced, often hilarious look at the difficulties of being gay in a society where gay men are forced to live double lives. In the backrooms of New York clubs the hero, Arnold Berkoff, is openly 'out' and enjoying the hedonistic subculture that will soon be cauterised by the advent of AIDS. His bisexual boyfriend, Ed, however, takes the safer route.

In Act Two, Ed's wife, Laurel, invites Arnold and his new partner, Alan, to spend a weekend with them.  In an elegantly directed scene, the four characters converse in twos on a giant bed, somersaulting into place, rolling over and under the duvets and interacting across conversations. The final act takes place six years later. Alan is dead and Arnold is adopting an abandoned gay teenager when his witty, wise-cracking Yiddishe mother from Miami turns up to rake over the past.   

Douglas Hodge's revival at The Menier Chocolate Factory exploits the one liners that are so witty at times, the story hardly matters. The characters are entertaining enough in themselves. David Bedella as the throaty, self-assured Arnold is a dream. When Arnold and his mother - a master class in comic timing from Sara Kestelman - parry wit and fury, it's exhilarating. Of course, the debate has moved a long way since this play, which is high on camp and emotion, first appeared. Nonetheless, it  disports itself well.

In conclusion: When the pieces fit, it's a winner. When they are cut in order to make a moral point - do we really believe Arnold's wise-cracking, accepting mother would do a ninety degree turn in her thinking? - it is less satisfying.

References
Menier Chocolate Factory, tickets
Michael Billington review in The Guardian