Taking up space for Fringe

Review!! Taking Up Space by @theempathyclubtheatre @ @tttmcr for @gmfringe 

Heartwarming and fun Manchester Fringe production ‘Taking Up Space’ explores sexuality, acceptance, self love and self discovery.

The story follows Jas, her new-found University love interest Saffy and their unpredictable friend Gia who is always there to provide them with a voice of reason, and a good time.

Jaz’s character explores the experience of young people from strict backgrounds, who are experiencing independence and being away from home for the first time. Jaz’s families lack of understanding towards LGBTQ+ identities caused her huge amounts of grief and stress throughout her relationship with Saffy and begins to push them apart. Her moving monologues explore her struggles with her religion and her journey towards recognising that god would want her to be her true self.

Saffy’s character develops throughout the play, from rushing into a relationship too soon, despite realising that Jas wasn’t ready, to recognising that she needs to do what is best for her. We see her journey towards making difficult choices and experience learning about the differences between her experience with sexuality and that of others.

Finally, the story shows us Jas’s friend Gia and her journey with mental health. We learn that despite her hard exterior, she’s struggling to come to terms with her best friends being together and feeling excluded.

Overall, the play explored important issues and shares the story of often underrepresented members of the LGBTQ+ community. I really enjoyed the use of space and their ability to keep the audience engaged with just 3 characters. I especially enjoyed Gia’s character journey, and was left hoping the best for all three characters. I’d love to see more queer representation like this within theatre festivals like the fringe!

Thank you to @gmfringe and @theempathyclubtheatre for having me! 

Photos by @brianrobertsimages

With thanks to Char at Queers In Mcr for the review.

Published: 29-Jul-2022 (6754)