Tommy Murphy’s Strangers in Between follows the journey of Shane – played brilliantly by Alex Ansdell in his professional debut – as he escapes from the violent, homophobic, smalltown rage of his elder brother Ben(Matthew Mitcham), to find safety and solace in a rundown area of Sydney, writes Michael Holland.
The author calls it a ‘sex comedy’ but there is little to laugh at after the naivety of Shane in the big city, or the high camp of his new friend Peter (Stephen Connery-Brown) wears off and we are left with the reality of coming out in a strange town in an era of high suicide amongst gay youth.
Shane finds a part-time job in an off-licence in Kings Cross, an area of biker gangs, red-light streets and low-rent accommodation, but where the settled gay community feel safe. Shane doesn’t so buys a cricket bat for security on his walks home. Through his work, he meets Will (Mitcham again) and Peter, a local gay man.
Peter is older and wiser and tries to give guidance to this young runaway; Will, however, rumps him and dumps him, and leaves him with genital warts which terrifies Shane who, in his lack of experience believes it is far more serious than it is.
Due to his tender years and having run from a homophobic household, Shane cannot work out his feelings so turns his confusion into self-hate which is then projected onto those closest, who are only trying to befriend him; showing itself in vitriolic abuse in painful, hurtful scenes. When Shane’s older brother catches up with him we hear some of the trauma in their backstory that helps us make sense of their worrying behaviour in the present.
There are several laughs in Strangers in Between but it is really about how all of us need to have a circle of good friends if we have exited the family unit. The unspoken poignancy in the final scene tells us that Shane will be okay. He will be safe and among those who want to care for him.
Odd fact: Matthew Mitcham won an Olympic Gold for diving with the highest score ever for a single dive. A few swimming pool-based lines were included in the play to raise a wry smile.
Golden Goose Theatre, 146 Camberwell New Rd, London, SE5 0RR until 7th October. Times: Tues-Sat 7.30pm, Saturday matinees 3pm. Admission: £18 (£13 Conc, VIP Front row seats £22)
Booking: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/strangers-in-between
Further information is available on : www.lambcoproductions.co.uk
