Review by Kate Gaul
It’s 1998… you’re sitting in front of the telly on Saturday morning watching Video Hits. The Spice Girls pop up on screen, you LOVE the Spice Girls! But soon you’re wondering – do I want to be Sporty Spice, or do I want to be with Sporty Spice?
Cara Whitehouse and Juliet Hindmarsh created a theatrical expose of growing up in the ‘90s, discovering and continuing to discover a queer identity. It’s had outings at Red Rattler, Hayes Theatre, Theatreworks (Melbourne) and now comes to Sydney once more at The Loading Dock. This time it is given a makeover by director Lily Hayman. “I Want it That Gay” is part confessional, part cabaret, part satire, a dash of therapy and huge dose of nostalgia as these two artists look back on the world from which they came. It’s sentimental, its clever, its musical.
Taking songs such as “Say my Name”, “The Rainbow Connection”, “I want it that Way” and changing the lyrics is how they tell their stories through song. We explore first dates, relationship breakups, misgendering, use of pronouns, haircuts (a LOT about haircuts) through music and anecdote. Cara Whitehouse plays keyboards, and Juliet Hindmarsh is a consummate guitar player. The music is where it is at and if the show could be tightened to roll from one high point to another it would be a stunner. There is a real energy drop between set pieces, and it can make the show feel much longer than it is. Having said that, a trim to 50 minutes would make this an ideal inclusion in many formats – fringe and otherwise. Plus highlight the real wit and talent at the core of the writing and performances.
Using simple props and a touch of choreography all help bring the show to life as does the intelligent use of lighting design (Tyler Fitzpatrick) and a first-class sound design and musical direction (Aisling Bermingham). This is a show made with love and honesty. There is something for everyone – gay or straight (which is also why it is a winner!). Interpolated throughout are three sketch comedy scenes between two Eastern Suburbs mums on their daily walk. Donning bright bobs, the two artists nail the voices and attitudes of these recognisable women. The characters could belong in a spin-off of their own as they explore identity, gender and the language around a changing and inclusive society. This is comic gold and points to a far richer show buried within this rather loose but entirely enjoyable hodge podge.
This isn’t the last we’ve seen of this show – so eyes out and get along next time it pops up. The inspired conversion of Sydney’s once notorious Darlinghurst Police Station into a thriving queer venue for exhibitions and performance is but a year old. Entrance to the theatre is still through the museum and provides a bonus event each time you buy a ticket to see a show at The Loading Dock. Get along and sample the array of work presented for Mardi Gras 2025.
