‘If it’s dormant forever… isn’t it just dead?’
In our most intimate spaces, who do we trust to keep the darkness at bay? How do we navigate the hard wires of another being?
Eventually, the moth must realise his return to the flame is no longer romance, but delusion. The bulb flickers. Letting go is an option.
Sometimes queer love needs space to be just that. Lightbulbs is a gentle, flickering love story about the modern queer ‘situationship’ by new London theatre company, Woodhouse&Roderick.
Lightbulbs is an absurdist play by Heather Woodhouse and TJ Roderick that explores modern-day queer relationships through the interactions between two young gay men, Oran and Ezekiel.
Oran struggles with commitment and overthinking, while Ezekiel takes on a more mature role in the relationship. The episodic structure of the play tracks the different stages of their ‘situation-ship,’ blending personal experiences with fictional elements. The inclusion of verbatim texts adds authenticity to the dialogue, creating a humorous and introspective exploration of the complexities of modern relationships within the LGBTQ+ community.
This show celebrates and portrays queer love stories, offering a reminder of the diversity and beauty within the LGBTQ+ community. Through exploring themes of masculine vulnerability and neurodivergence, it sheds light on the complexities of modern queer relationships. The show also delves into the impact of shifting identity politics on queer love, highlighting the intertwining of personal and political experiences.
Woodhouse&Roderick (the company) are an up-and-coming theatre duo who work with a large variety of artists. They strive to platform working-class creatives and LGBTQIA+ performers through their theatre work.
The Cast: Oran: Reuben Oladehin and Ezekiel: Max Burns.
Brockley Jack Studio Theatre, 410 Brockley Road, London, SE4 2DH. Tuesday 19 to Saturday 23 August 2025 at 7.30pm. Tickets: £15, £13 concessions (suitable for 16+)
Booking and full details: www.brockleyjack.co.uk
