Make-up is a solo show that tackles equality, diversity and inclusion issues through the story of an old-school drag artist struggling to come to terms with a scene that she feels is leaving her behind.
Lady Christina returns to the green room after another performance in another venue above another pub. The man behind the make-up is tired of her and tired of metrosexual audiences looking for something a little risqué that they can tell their mother’s about. It might be time to ditch the drag, but he’s been playing the part for so long he’s not sure where she ends and he begins.
This acts as the trigger for Chris, and the play, to explore what it felt like growing up in a time and place where being gay was something you didn’t tell your parents about, Clause 28 meant that homophobia felt like it came with a government seal of approval and the biggest worry about losing in a limb in the bombing of the Admiral Duncan pub was that your secret would come out.
At a time when acceptance of diversity seems to be slipping, Make-up is a reminder of the prejudices the gay community faced in the not-too distant past, and an exploration of new identities forged under fire as a way of coping.
Personal and political, moving and amusing, Make-up premiered at Brighton Fringe in October 2020 and returned there in June 2021. In July 2021, it had a four day run at Buxton Fringe where it was nominated for Best Production and Best Male Actor awards. The writer/director and actor were also interviewed about the play on BBC Radio Scotland’s Afternoon Show ahead of its Scottish premiere at Eden Court, Inverness on 7 August. A full Edinburgh Festival fringe run is confirmed for Underbelly – Wee Coo – in 2022.
The tour is offered with optional workshops, talks and Q and A sessions exploring the subjects raised in the play, the development of the play and production, and general writing and performing workshops tailored to suit specific audiences.
