Toxic
Presented by Dibby Theatre Written & performed by Nathaniel J Hall
A HOME Co-commission, supported by Arts Council England
This is the story of how we met, fell in love, and f*cked it up. But it’s not just our story. It’s his, and his and theirs. Maybe it’s yours... Maybe.
Manchester 2017. A chance meeting on a hook-up app sets two damaged thirty-something hearts on a spectacular collision course. He is HIV+ and drowning in shame. They are queer and one microaggression away from a full-on meltdown. Born into Thatcher’s Britain of race riots and rampant homophobia and growing up in the shadow of Aids and Section 28, the pair form a trauma bond so tight, they might just survive it all. But sometimes survival means knowing when to leave.
This explosive semi-autobiographical show written by Nathaniel J Hall (First Time, It’s A Sin) and performed by Nathaniel with Josh-Susan Enright blends storytelling (dir. by Scott Le Crass), movement (Plaster Cast), stunning design (Lu Herbert), visual projections and lighting (dede ././ and Tracey Gibbs) and an original pumping soundtrack by SHAR.
Pulling back the glittery curtain of pride to reveal a place where many still suffer the devastating impact of generational HIV stigma, racism, homophobia and toxic gender norms, this powerful and passionate play inspired by true events celebrates survival and the resilience of the queer spirit.
Toxic Tickets
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Toxic ON TOUR
Our review on Toxic
Toxic - Lowry, Salford - Wednesday 16th April 2025 by Nathalie Clarke
Our Rating
Nathaniel J Hall’s semi-autobiographical play is set in the Manchester queer rave scene, it takes you through the love story, or rather the emotional roller-coaster, of two damaged thirtysomething hearts who are born into Thatcher’s Britain of rampant homophobia and race riots. The pair ‘grow up in the shadow of Aids and Section 28, and form a trauma bond so tight, they might just survive it all’ – but sometimes survival means knowing when to leave …
Toxic is a stunning, impressive and impactful show, the set is intimate with the characters inviting you into their queer world where you are not only captivated, but mesmerised. The lighting, visuals and pumping music [Shar] all play fascinating roles. You leave the theatre feeling so many emotions: shock, anger, sadness and a heart full of laughter, love and hope – all of which continue to vibrate through the mind days after.
Pulling back the glittery curtain of pride to reveal a place where many still suffer the devastating impact of generational HIV stigma, racism, homophobia and toxic gender norms, Hall explains ‘The show ultimately is about queer resilience, showing there is hope and you cannot only survive these things, you can thrive from things’
“This is the story of how we met, fell in love, and f*cked it up. But it’s not just our story. It’s his, and his and theirs. Maybe it’s yours… Maybe”…
A must see which leaves you longing for the next Hall production
