Manchester Theatre News & Reviews

REVIEW - Birthmarked breaks boundaries and connects with its audience on so many levels

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On Wednesday, we visited The Lowry, Salford to watch Birthmarked. Read what our reviewer Karen Ryder had to say about this unique show...

Sometimes in life, you meet the right people at the right time, and earlier this week I was lucky enough to chat with the generous Brook Tate - writer and composer of Birthmarked, a show that is described as a concept gig and is performed by Brook and their merry ol’ band of pals! After chatting with Brook I knew that I was in for an emotional yet fabulous ride tonight, and even though I thought I was coming in with my eyes wide open, there was so much more I simply wasn’t prepared for. We are told the authentic and deeply personal story of Brook’s life, one that starts with an upbringing as a Jehovah’s Witness and ends with a tap dancing zebra! And as zany and fun as that may sound, which it is, it has come with an unthinkable cost. Because what are you supposed to do when who you are costs you everything you have known? What do you do when love costs you love? And what do you do when you have no one to ask because you are left alone, shunned from the only community you have ever known?

Brook takes us right back to the origin of his family’s Jehovah’s Witness beliefs, when their Grandmother had someone knock on her door in the 1950’s and was converted. The religion was passed down through the generations and this community became their life, their family. But when Brook confessed to being gay, beliefs and rules demanded he would be disfellowshipped, affectively shunning Brook from his entire world. Friends and family were no longer allowed to talk with him. They had to cut all ties. As the details of what truly happens, how it happens, and those who deem themselves with the authority to do it are shared, your mind will start to tailspin at the brutality of it all. What follows is a tale of tenacity, spirit, understanding and hope as Brook makes a new life, discovers new friends and finds the beast within, reclaiming it with a positive life force. Beautifully and creatively spun alongside the story of Jonah and the whale, we meet Gail the whale who helps Brook discover a freedom and pride in exactly who they are and everything they were ever meant to be.

So, what is a concept gig you may be wondering? Well, it turns out, it’s something really quite special. A real, heartbreaking, yet equally uplifting true story is told through a series of incredible songs, through intimate and affable chats with the audience, creative conversations with Gail the whale, and moments of improvisation and audience connections. The songs are brilliantly moving, catchy, and vary in style from those with a Celtic lilt, to the spine tingling acapella hold your breath songs, to the fabulously flamboyant musical theatre showstoppers. One moment you have nothing but the echoing sighs of the band whispering notes across the waves as Brook bares his soul with a dignified poise, the next you are clapping along to the rhythmic frenzy as you belt out your support with every fibre you have. Not only are the songs stunning individually, together their ripples create an emotive swell that will carry you along and crash and splash your emotions all over the place – in the best way possible.

Brooks real life pals form the band, and the comradery between them is evident. You could feel the support and strength emanating from each and everyone of them, because believe me, when you see this show, you will understand. How anyone finds the strength to go there night after night is not only admirable, it’s inspiring. Eva Redman (Gail the whale) Tom Bonson, Samuel Fox, Sam Fox (yes there really are two Sam Fox’s – and neither of them were there to sing about any kids from America) & Eddie Benfield form this highly talented band and are happily onboard the Tate train as they join in the jokes, swim around the stage and dress up or shed costumes as desired. Gail the whale, by the way, impressively swims through the audience and is apparently made from some old tarpaulin! Who knew! Directed by Olivier award winning Sally Cookson, Birthmarked has been allowed to flow and grow organically, with a naturalism about it so we are clearly meeting the very real Brook Tate and not a characterised version. This makes the story being told all the more shocking for we cannot hide behind a manuscript, a play that goes to bed when we leave the theatre. This is very real and has happened to the person right in front of our eyes. It is powerful, impactful and possibly one of the bravest things I have ever seen. Trust me, this is a traumatic tale to behold and one that so could easily be fuelled by hate, resentment, rage, and revenge. But there isn’t a single drop of any of that in Brooks ocean.

Birthmarked is not there to stir up trouble. It is there to show up. It is there to say this is who I am and who I am is not wrong. It is there to offer a life line to anyone in a similar situation, and it is there to voice a different way and offer understanding through pizazz and personality. What strikes me more than anything about Birthmarked and Brook Tate is the dignified, classy, and educated approach this show takes. It doesn’t judge. Not once. And believe me, when you hear some of the stories, this is not only impressive but noble. My friend thanked me for asking her along saying it was a privilege to have watched, and I couldn’t agree more. It was a privilege to watch someone who would have every right to be filled with a compelling and confused rage, instead guide us with understanding, tolerance and patience. It was quite outstanding. It was brave, bold, and a real masterclass in vulnerability. And of course, it was also fiercely fabulous, with high heeled tap shoes, a celebration of queer culture, and a spirit of overcoming adversity and the utter pants that life can throw at you.

Brook Tate is a charismatic performer and is instantly loveable. Birthmarked is most definitely a one-of-a-kind show that defies being labelled as any one genre. It breaks boundaries, and it connects with its audience on so many levels with a dignified grace and humility. A standing ovation led Brook to come into the audience after the show and the queue of people wanting to say thank you, or simply say hello, was testimony to the authenticity and bravery on display. Sometimes a show is bigger than the production itself could ever be. And sometimes, you stumble across the right person at the right time. Brook Tate is a name I will never forget.

WE SCORE BIRTHMARKED...

Birthmarked is on at The Lowry, Salford until Friday 31st May 2024.