MY SON’S A QUEER
(BUT WHAT CAN YOU DO?)
Turbine Theatre (2021) - Edinburgh Fringe (2022) - Garrick Theatre (2022), Ambassadors Theatre (2023) , West End - UK Tour (2024), New York City Centre (2025)
Music and lyrics by Pippa Cleary
Book and lyrics by Rob Madge
Directed by Luke Sheppard
Orchestrations by Simon Nathan
My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) is a heartfelt and humorous one-person show, that celebrates growing up queer, family support, and the joy of self-expression. It tells the true story of a young Rob staging Disney parades in their living room, backed by a supportive (and often hilariously confused) family. Through childhood home videos, music, and monologues, the show explores identity, acceptance, and the magic of being unapologetically yourself.
★★★★ THE STAGE ★★★★ THE GUARDIAN ★★★★★ BROADWAY WORLD ★★★★★ WEST END WILMA ★★★★★ BRITISH THEATRE ★★★★★ THE QUEER REVIEW
‘You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more joyous, life-affirming show in the West End’Time Out
‘A joyful letter to self-expression’Evening Standard
‘An uplifting and life-affirming piece of theatre’Gay Times
‘An explosion of pure, homegrown joy ’New York Theatre Guide
‘A sheer queer delight from start to finish. A timely, hilarious & deeply poignant hymn (well, more like Disney ballad) to the power of acceptance’The Queer Review
New York Times Article - Link here.
Playbill Article - Link here.
Show Instagram
Nominated for an Olivier Award 2023 for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play.
Winner of Whatsonstage Award for Best Off-West End Show.
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Through witty lyrics, relatable characters and Disney Parades, the My Son's a Queer musical highlights the importance of embracing individuality and the transformative power of love. It resonates with audiences by addressing universal themes of identity, pride, and celebrates the joy and chaos of raising a queer child and is testament to the power of unconditional familial love. The production celebrates diversity and encourages conversations about queer experiences in a joyful and uplifting way.
The My Son's a Queer musical has received significant accolades, highlighting its powerful storytelling and artistic excellence. It was nominated for an Olivier Award 2023 for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play, showcasing its impact in the theatrical landscape and recognition among industry peers. This nomination reflects the musical's unique blend of humour and heartfelt moments, as well as its ability to resonate deeply with audiences.
The production was honoured with the Whatsonstage Award for Best Off-West End Show, a testament to its popularity and the strong connection it has forged with audiences. This award highlights the musical's engaging performances and innovative storytelling, showcasing its ability to resonate on a personal level. These accolades not only celebrate the creative team behind the My Son's a Queer Musical but also emphasize its important role in fostering discussions about non-binary identities and acceptance within families. The musical continues to inspire and leave a lasting impact on everyone who experiences its uplifting message.
In its relatively short life, starting in 2021, the My Son's a Queer Musical has had five runs, including two appearances in the West End, at the Ambassadors Theatre and the Garrick Theatre. Its most recent run was a UK tour which poignantly returned to where the show had its first sold out run at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2022!
Pippa and Rob madge had a wonderful time writing the music and lyrics for the My Son’s A Queer musical. They found their personalities, humour and writing styles suited each other very well and ended up with creating something very magical. Pippa has formed an amazing bond with Rob and has found an incredible writing partner in them. They are now working on other projects together post their incredible My Son’s A Queer Musical!