Gunter, by the initial synopsis, sounds like a story we know well. A witch trial, where the outcome either way is not a way out and where women have been condemned, sexualised and abused. However, Gunter is a little different. This particular trial starts with a football match. The richest man in the village, Brian Gunter, murders two boys at a football match, escaping imprisonment because of his status, gender and his money. But when his daughter suddenly begins convulsing and acting strange, it descends into a witch hunt for the two boy’s mother, who is believed to have cursed Gunter’s daughter in revenge, commenting on the difference of gender in finding justice, when she is sought after to be condemned.

A historical tale with only a small amount of fact recorded, the story is translated into modern day to try and place it in our minds as prevalent. The themes themselves are comments on gender inequality, patriarchy and injustice between women and men which is seen in today’s society, as much as it was in the 1600’s. This is effective in not placing the story in the past, allowing us to relate and to bring it to modern day. This is supported by the actors in football kit, beginning the show as we walk in with images of football hooligans projected onto the back wall and the continued inclusion of multi-media throughout. It is important that we don’t push the story into the past, making it seem like fiction or the past and not really a reality. However, the football aspect feels a small part of the overall story and a slightly disconnected element as the play unfolds. Perhaps it is there to remind us of how football has been historically male orientated from both players and fans but this loses its power during the production, in a good way, when it is replaced by much more.

Such a theme, on the outside, would seem intense. But there’s something special about this production when it’s actually very funny. Perhaps the content shouldn’t be so funny, but how the actors and the writing bring across these nuggets is so superb and does well to help build up the crescendo of the end of the play.

Multi-media is used effectively, to not only modernise the story, but to bring different levels and different and eerie elements to the production, with microphones and a live band, unique songs and soundscapes. The immense energy of the performers is powerful and energetic, making me wonder how exhausted they must be after each show. Their ability to change characters throughout, with only their skill and nothing more is extraordinary. At times, I wanted to pin point an actor for standing out particularly, but this was too hard. They all were monumental and brilliant in every role they took through sheer physicality.

Gunter makes so many poignant and important comments on past and presence differences between men and women and the injustices in this. A historical tale, centered in a time of witches and magic, which can still be translated to modern day, but with some comedy, some modernisms and an overall fantastic tour de force of theatre.

(4 / 5)

Throw me something Queer and Harry Potter related, and I am there. While walking into the room, I was already transported by the simple yet extravagantly painted room that crossed barriers of reality and magic.

Dumbledore is SO Gay! is a coming of age tale about Jack who struggles with his sexuality as a teen, his feelings and actions while figuring this out and the consequences of this. His love of Harry Potter allows him to travel in and change time to create a better and more inclusive world. His favourite character is Dumbledore, the only opening gay character and he feels affinity with him and his magical powers. But also questions, why is the only queer character killed off and is this a metaphor for life?

As a teen during the Harry Potter explosion of the noughties and a continued fan (I openly watch it on repeat most days of the week and Stephen Fry narrating it on audible is how I get to sleep), the references were specific, real and relatable. The love of Harry Potter was a real era for us and continues into our adulthood and the parry of this with the element of growing up and finding out who you are worked well. We certainly felt and went through this with the characters themselves during the Harry Potter years and so it reflects well on stage with Jack and his friends.

Jack continues as himself through the whole production and, as the main character, to see him change as a person is fascinating. Jack has the chance to change time, to tackle moments of homophobia to change the landscape, and how many of us have wanted to change the past? He grows with these changes and they change him, his opinion and confidence to protest and change the world.

The other characters are covered by two other cast members and both change voices, accents, personalities and physicality with complete smoothness that we believe they are different people. A moment where they break down the forth wall and become self aware when one actor has to revive two of her characters at once – the back and forth is its own comedy and her smooth transition it absolutely excellent.

The movement between scenes, through the time turning and that transition is so flawless. The actors are faultless. And the story and narrative is perfection. The only qualm would be references to queer culture that some may not know and maybe do not get the comical or emotional response that they deserve. But that would be the case for myself as a female, ally and undecided on my own labels. I understood many, from my ally-ship and friends but likely a lot were specific to queer, male culture in London. But this only meant that those who affiliate with that would have their own feelings of something more relatable to them.

Dumbledore is SO Gay! is relatable to many, specifically relatable to others, emotional, comical and over all fantastic. It is a show for any millennial, any queer person and anyone struggling with who they are. It is a triumph of a theatre production.