By Aline Mahrud

WORTH A LOOK?: ***

WHEN?: Wednesday 17 April and runs through 27 April 2024 RUNTIME: 120 minutes (with a 20-minute interval)

Struggling writer Tony is in a relationship with the more successful author Greg and would rather devote time to his career than keep their Kentish Town flat spick and span so employs a cleaner.

• Read on for reasons including why this is a barrel of laughs but also shines a light on the suitability of the gay marriage legislation that was to come

Tony employs struggling young actor Robert who has read 1 of Greg’s books and provides a counterpoint to Tony’s friend William who is single, gossipy and more sexually free.

It’s easy to see how author Kevin Elyot drew Oscar Wilde and Joe Orton comparisons from this, his 1st 1982 play, staged at the Bush Theatre, which feels an uttely authentic deep dive into a couple’s open relationship where the ground rule is they can sleep with a 1-night stand on a single occasion away from the flat they share.

The Turbine is an atmospheric and intimate venue with the sounds of trains clattering in and out of London’s nearby Victoria Station regularly punctuating the action giving an authentic feel to this single- set living room in early 80s north London.

There’s a real joy in seeing a show near the end of its run where everything has gelled nicely and this precursor to Elyot’s big hit My Night With Reg is lots of fun but also unafraid to show its serious side.

The highlight is the performance of Sam Goodchild as Tony’s best friend William who gives us both a good-time clubbing wingman but also shows his vulnerability and self-loathing when 1 particularly ill-advised encounter turns nasty.

We can’t help but feel for Yannick Budd’s central Tony who rather asks for trouble by inviting the inquisitive Robert played well by Theo Walker into the home he shares with his rather uptight partner.

At its best the humour reminds us of no-nonsense Jonathan Harvey (Beautiful Thing) particularly when it’s being especially down-to-earth about the difficulties or joys of anal sex for example.

At over 40 years old in many ways Coming Clean is a period piece but in the capable hands of director Andrew Beckett it’s a barrel of laughs but also shines a light on the suitability of the gay marriage legislation that was to come while also asking the eternal question of whether 1 person can actually have their cake – and eat it?

• Main picture via Facebook courtesy Turbine Theatre Tickets
• Have you seen a Kevin Elyot show before and what did you think of it? Let us know what you thought in the comments below
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