“Queers 2” Curated by Mark Gatiss

Nottingham Lace Market Theatre.

“Queers” celebrates a century of evolving social attitudes and political milestones in British gay history, as seen through the eyes of eight individuals. In the full series there are eight monologues, four of which have already been performed by The Lace Market Theatre a while back. These remaining four, “The Man On The Platform”, “Safest Spot in Town”, “I Miss The War” and “More Anger” are the remaining four.

Curated by Mark Gatiss, the monologues were commissioned to mark the anniversary of the 1967 Sexual Offences Act, which decriminalised homosexual acts in private between two men over the age of twenty-one. They were broadcast on BBC Four in 2017, directed and produced by Gatiss.

“The Man On The Platform” by Mark Gatiss is set in 1917. A man returning from the war trenches recollects a love that dared not speak its name. Perce (Michael Radford) recalls as a teenager seeing Oscar Wilde being transported to jail on the platform of a train station and realises at that time where his longings are. Years later, during the war, he develops a friendship with Captain Terence Leslie, albeit plutonic.

This friendship is over seen and results in the pair being sent off to different parts of the country. On the train out, Perce realises that his repressed feelings for Terence are reciprocated in a tender farewell from the Captain. This is the most tender and emotional of the four as you never get to see what could have been from their possible liaison. A love lost before it has even started.

“Safest Spot In Town” by Keith Jarrett set in 1941 and as the blitz hits London, Frederick (Trevor Bailey) is grateful he survived in an unlikely place of refuge as he veered away from "The Safest Spot In Town", a club deep underground, called the Cafe de Paris. Within the club lies the object of Frederick's affections, Snakehips, the dance band leader. Frederick has his reasons for staying away from the club, and a dalliance with a warden saved his life that evening.

“I Miss The War” by Matthew Baldwin brings us up to the swinging sixties and 1967. Maybe the Sexual Offences Act won't revolutionise everything as far as Jack's concerned. This monologue is in complete contrast to the previous two. It oozes the fun and naughtiness of tailor Jack (Tobias Christopher) and his lascivious lifestyle. No wonder one of Jack's favourite groovy tune is the Kinks "Dedicated Follower Of Fashion", being a tailor! The coarse language is all done in the best possible taste and reminds me slightly of Tom from the TV comedy "Gimme Gimme Gimme". Jack can laugh at himself and refers to himself as a "rentalman", which gives an impression of being more upmarket than a rent boy.

“More Anger” by Brian Fillis is placed in 1987 and the start of the recognition of Aids. With AIDS hitting the headlines, a new part looks like a game changer for actor Phil (Ryan Joseph). The younger viewpoint in this quartet, although we can only guess at the ages of the other characters.

After the incredible success of Russell T Davies' Channel 4 mini serial "It's A Sin", this section resonates so much as the horror of Aids rears its' ugly head and Phil touches on some of the horrific myths that the media and public created. We also feel Phil's shock when he discovers that his partner has full blown Aids, and how that relationship went swiftly sour.

All four actors delivered the monologues as if they were talking direct to you, and you alone. Set in the same setting of a pub, it's like you've met up with them and they are chatting to you alone, throughout the years. The only thing that really changed was the picture on the wall which also depicted the passing of the decades. It also showed the progression of the relaxing of the law and public opinion, and I am not sure if "acceptance" is the right word, of homosexuality throughout the century.

Directed by Chris Sims, this is a production that should be seen by everyone. Not only as a wonderfully emotional and entertaining piece of theatre, but as an educational piece, to show how far we have come with acceptance of people who may just be a little bit different to others. Who really cares what people do behind closed doors, everyone should be treated with respect for their opinions and their choices. And in the case of Jack, a lot of play mixed in with work does not make Jack a dull boy! Far from it! The cast are perfect choices

The set design is by Mark James. Simple by design, so why not? Effective and non-detracting from the actors or the monologues but provided the required back drop.

The costumes are by Jane Herring, and really added to all four stories, time zones and ages. Especially effective in Percy's and Jack's monologues.

“Queers 2” is performed live but viewed online until Saturday 3 July where there is a matinee performance. Tickets are free and can be secured through the Nottingham Lace Market Theatre website.