my son's a queer tour

My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) Tickets

Writer and performer Rob Madge's hilarious, poignant, and infectiously joyous solo show arrives on Broadway.

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About my son’s a queer (but what can you do) on broadway.

Straight — well, not exactly straight — from a smash-hit run in London's West End comes Rob Madge’s triumphant and hilarious celebration of identity, creativity, and the profound bond between a parent and their child. When Rob was twelve, they attempted a full-blown Disney parade in their house for their grandma. As Rob donned wigs and played Mary Poppins, Ariel, Mickey Mouse and Belle, their dad doubled as Stage Manager, Sound Technician and Goofy. Unfortunately, Dad missed all his cues and pushed all the floats in the wrong direction. Mom mistook Aladdin for Ursula. The costumes went awry. Grandma had a nice time, though. My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) is the joyous autobiographical story of social-media sensation Rob Madge as they set out to recreate that infamous parade – and this time, nobody, no, nobody is gonna rain on it.

"A joyful letter to self-expression." The Evening Standard Nick Curtis

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‘My Son’s a Queer, (But what Can You Do?)’ review

• Theatre, Drama
• 5 out of 5 stars
• Recommended

Time Out says

Rob Madge celebrates a happy gay childhood in this quirky, joyous monologue

This review is from the Garrick Theatre in October 2022. ‘My Son’s A Queer’ transfers to the Ambassadors Theatre in January 2023.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more joyous, life-affirming show in the West End right now than this one. Even its journey – via this year’s Edinburgh Fringe – into the bright lights of central London after debuting at the small Turbine Theatre in Battersea last year feels a little fairy-tale. Personally, as a gay man, there’s also something wonderful about seeing the word ‘Queer’ emblazoned so proudly above the venerable Garrick Theatre.

This one-person show revolves around the amateur childhood stage productions of its charismatic and funny writer and performer Rob Madge. He talks to us from a set that functions as a heightened version of the Coventry front room we watch in grainy VHS footage on a screen above the stage. Through video snippets from the late 1990s and early 2000s, we see a very young Madge – a child star of West End mega-musicals ‘Les Misérables’ and ‘Mary Poppins’ – enlist their dad in homemade stagings of Disney films like ‘The Little Mermaid’.

These clips – which Madge first released on the social media platforms where the non-binary actor and writer is a hugely popular presence – are, first off, extremely funny. They’ll resonate with anyone who’s dreamed of being a star in their living room. The little Madge is hilariously perfectionist, demanding that their dad endlessly repeat scenes, criticising line deliveries and dropping a settee throw with the proud flourish of a stage curtain raising before every ‘act’.

All of this is framed by the reactions of the adult Madge, who gently pokes fun at their younger excesses, while never detracting from the passion and love – for theatre but also between father and child – that we see on the screen. Recreating the Disney Parade of characters that the young Madge is obsessed with is the show’s direction. But in the small pauses that occur as school report cards flash on the screen suggesting that they would fit in better if they ditched the ‘dramatic facial expressions’, we see a child told over and over again by people outside their home that their imaginative independence – their desire to be Belle not the Beast – is wrong because it doesn't reflect 'the norm'.  

Director Luke Sheppard skilfully handles these changes of pace, as the older Madge reflects on their journey to authentic self-expression that began with a desire to dress like Maleficent. It’s often deeply moving and will resonate with many a queer kid in the audience, but Sheppard doesn’t let these moments dominate the stage for too long. The challenges are acknowledged, but this is fundamentally an optimistic show about following your own path. And as Madge sings Pippa Cleary’s infectiously catchy songs with gentle self-irony, they steer the show clear of easy sentimentality.

Among the lip-syncing, costume changes and childhood memorabilia that Madge unpacks on stage at the same time as the story of their life, the beating heart of the show – the sustaining power of a supportive family – is never muffled. Accepting every creative indignity inflicted on him by his child, you’ll love Madge’s dad to the moon and back by the end of the show. You’ll also adore the grandparents who we see present a delighted Madge with a mini theatre as an early birthday. This isn’t a story about privilege or inevitable success; it’s about love. Those songs of hope and imagination that typify a Disney film are found, here, in an ordinary front room, transformed. You’ll leave the theatre with a grin.  

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My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) review – a family drops the love-bomb

Turbine theatre, London Using home videos of their own childhood, Rob Madge presents the moving and funny story of how a young Disney fan got to grow up to be Belle of the ball

“A re you filming?” A decade before selfie culture kicked in, Rob Madge was a child ahead of the curve, demanding their family home-video every flamboyant performance they ever staged in their Coventry living room. It’s as well they did: those videos have propelled Madge (who is non-binary) via social media celebrity to their own autobiographical solo show. The videos are the early focus of My Son’s a Queer, and it can feel self-centred as Madge, a Midlands Alan Cumming in vest and pants, replays the act-outs and homespun theatrics of their youth. But in time, this childhood diva melts into the background and their loving family emerge as the stars of the show.

The question here, as per Madge’s lyrics, is: “Why does it have to be a choice of just two?” Disney buff Madge wants to wear Belle’s yellow dress but their dad buys them a Beast costume instead. In a shocking moment, their school discourages Madge’s theatricality, which “won’t help him make friends”. What is Madge, keener on stagecraft than soccer, supposed to do? Happily for them, and advertised here by abundant footage of their infancy, the Madge family closes ranks, love-bombing this domestic impresario and show pony in the making.

Occasionally, those home videos feel self-indulgent. More often, though, they are richly comical, as we marvel at Madge Jr’s unselfconscious bossiness and their loved ones’ failure to measure up to their sky-high entertainment standards. Latterly, the footage can be very moving: I defy you to watch one film, of Madge receiving a beautiful Christmas gift from their grandparents, without a lump in the throat.

In Luke Sheppard’s production, unfolding on a frumpy front-room set with glamour concealed, My Son’s a Queer offers something for everyone. A coming-of-age gay narrative, replete with a musical number about Madge’s first crush (on the Pied Piper). A pop culture love-in for fairytale fanboy/girls and everyone in between, reminiscent of Rebecca Humphries’ 2014 hit Dizney Rascal . And, most compellingly of all, a cri de coeur for parenting that, rather than splicing children into preordained pinks and blues, embraces them in their infinite expressive variety.

My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) is at the Turbine theatre, London, until 17 July.

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Cate blanchett’s dirty films acquires film rights to hit stage adaptation ‘the picture of dorian gray’, whose current star sarah snook just won an olivier, rob madge’s acclaimed ‘my son’s a queer (but what can you do)’ will play broadway this spring.

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EXCLUSIVE: Following sold-out and critically lauded runs in London’s West End and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Olivier Award-nominated play My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?) starring writer and performer Rob Madge, will arrive on Broadway this spring for a 16-week engagement.

Performances begin at the Lyceum Theatre on February 27, 2024, with opening night slated for March 12.

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Madge (who uses the pronouns they/them) is a theater maker, writer and actor who began working professionally in theater at the age of 9, having spent the majority of their childhood forcing their family to help them put on shows in the living room. Select theater credits include Mary Poppins (Prince Edward Theatre), Macbeth (Gielgud Theatre), Oliver! (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), and Les Misérables (25th Anniversary International Tour and Concert).

My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?) is written by Madge, directed by Luke Sheppard ( &Juliet ), and features songs by Pippa Cleary ( The Great British Bake Off Musical ). The production also features scenic and costumes by Ryan Dawson Laight, lighting by Jai Morjaria, sound by Tingying Dong, video by George Reeve, and orchestrations by Simon Nathan.

My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?) is produced by Tom Smedes, Heather Shields, and Peter Stern by arrangement with Bill Kenwright and Paul Taylor Mills.

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Rob Madge’s My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?) to open on Broadway

The much-loved solo show is heading across the pond next year

Following industry presentations in New York City earlier this year , the WhatsOnStage Award-winning production of My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?)  will officially make its Broadway debut next spring.

Written and performed by Rob Madge, the Olivier-nominated solo show is an autobiographical journey of one young person, their love for all things Disney and musical theatre, finding their queer identity and acceptance from their family.

The show features songs by Pippa Cleary ( The Great British Bake Off Musical ) and a generous helping of home videos from Madge’s childhood.

The production will mark the Broadway debut for Madge, whose previous credits include Mary Poppins, Macbeth, Oliver! and Les Misérables.  It is directed by Luke Sheppard ( & Juliet ) and produced by Tom Smedes, Heather Shields, and Peter Stern by arrangement with Bill Kenwright and Paul Taylor Mills.

Also on the creative team are scenic and costume designer Ryan Dawson Laight, lighting designer Jai Morjaria, sound designer Tingying Dong, video designer George Reeve, and orchestrator Simon Nathan.

My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?)  will begin performances at Broadway’s Lyceum Theatre on 27 February 2024, ahead of an opening night on 12 March and a limited 16-week run.

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Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation Partners With New Broadway Show ‘My Son's a Queer'

With West End sensation Rob Madge heading to the Great White Way to perform their show My Son's a Queer (But What Can You Do? ), it makes sense that they would partner with Mother Monster herself to spread their message as far as they can.

On Monday (Jan. 22), My Son's a Queer announced a special partnership with Lady Gaga ‘s non-profit organization, the Born This Way Foundation . Throughout the show's upcoming run on Broadway, My Son's a Queer will support multiple activations from the non-profit, both at the Lyceum Theater and online, surrounding mental health support for young people.

Along with running fundraisers for the Born This Way Foundation, the activations will promote the non-profit's Be There Certificate , an online mental health course centered around giving young people the tools to help someone dealing with mental health issues. The activations will also support the organization's Channel Kindness initiative, encouraging young people to get involved in community engagement.

My Son's a Queer (But What Can You Do?) is a one-person play in which Madge tells the story of their childhood, as they struggle with their identity and watch their family learn to accept them as a non-binary person, all while attempting to mount an ambitious, one-person, Disney-themed revue in their childhood home. The show's West End run earned a nomination for best entertainment or comedy play at the 2023 Laurence Olivier Awards.

The show is slated to begin preview performances at the Lyceum Theater on Tuesday, Feb. 27, with an official opening night set for Tuesday, March 12. Tickets are available to purchase here .

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My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) Tickets

My son’s a queer, (but what can you do) theatre tickets.

Relive your Disney memories through a child’s eyes and kick back as you watch this hilarious musical come to life on stage. The theatrical production was written by playwright Rob Madge with music by Pippa Cleary. Set in the modern day, the story centers around 12-year-old Rob, who attempts to run a top-notch Disney parade in the house for his Grandma. Rob is all about the costumes and wigs, wanting to play Ariel, Mary Poppins, Belle, and Mickey Mouse. Meanwhile, Dad is instructed to act as stage manager, sound tech, and dress up as Goofy.

Mum, on the other hand, is instructed to take on the character Aladdin. Though the instructions are set, nothing goes as planned. Dad misses all his cues and Mum mistakes Aladdin for Ursula. What does Grandma think of this disaster of a parade? There is no better way to find out after you buy My Son’s A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) tickets. The theatrical production tells the autobiographical story of Rob Madge. Upon its initial staging, the play received much praise and several accolades. Most notably, it was awarded Best Off-West End Production in 2022 by WhatsOnStage . Aside from that, both The Guardian and WhatsOnStage gave the musical a 4 out of 5-star review.

My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) Ticket Prices

My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) ticket prices vary for each production. Prices can vary depending on demand and depending on the city. A theatre ticket on Broadway will always be more expensive than a touring production. Seating arrangements also impact ticket prices. A premium orchestra seat close to the stage costs more than a standard balcony or upper-tier seat. 

How much are My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) tickets?

My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) tickets for a premium orchestra seat have a price range of around $150-$350 per ticket depending on the venue. Stick to your budget with cheap seats in the back of the theater. A balcony seat will typically run $35-$55 each. Due to the size of the theatres on Broadway, ticket prices in New York can sometimes be 50-75% more than a touring performance.

$109.09 is the average ticket price you can expect to pay to see a production of My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?). Some performances have cheap My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) tickets listed for as little as $73.60 a ticket. $352.00 is the most you'll pay to see My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) performed live.

My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) Tour Dates & Schedule

Check the My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) schedule above to find a tour date that is convenient for you. When the performance is running for a week or longer, it usually runs Tuesday through Sunday with Matinées typically available on Saturday and Sunday. Be sure to catch the show at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles , Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia, Sarofim Hall at the Hobby Center in Houston or another theatre near you.

My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) only has 25 performances left on its 2024 show schedule. The show's next production will take place on April 23rd, 2024 at 7:00pm at the Lyceum Theatre - NY , which is located at 149 W 45th St, New York, NY. There are still 16 tickets available to see this hit show. For this production, My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) tickets start at $123.20 and go up to $352.00 per ticket. 

When do My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) tickets go on sale?

My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) tickets go on sale for a touring production once the new performance dates are announced. Typically, within 24-48 hours of the My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) tour dates being announced, seats will be available. TicketSmarter makes it easy to get Broadway musical tickets in your hands without waiting in line at the box office window or for a presale code.

My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) Seating Chart

My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) seating capacity will vary from venue to venue depending on the location. Most of the theatres on the tour stops will have less than 3,000 seats. For example, Barbara Mann Performing Arts Hall has a capacity of only 1,874 whereas Dreyfoos Concert Hall at the Kravis Center has a capacity of 2,195. The Musical Hall in Kansas City has a capacity of 2,363. If you are looking for cheap My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) tickets, explore the upper balcony in most cases. Sometimes there will be discount tickets available in the rear portion of the Orchestra. 

Select your perfect premium seat in the orchestra or mezzanine or get a VIP box seat. You can hopefully catch My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) playing in your city as this award-winning show tours across the country. Use the My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) seating chart above to secure your seats when it stops at a city near you.

My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) will make its last curtain call at the Lyceum Theatre - NY on June 16th, 2024 at 2:00pm. This fantastic theatre is located at 149 W 45th St, New York, NY. A seat to see this wonderful live production of My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) will cost you between $88.00 and $114.40 a ticket.

Safe and Secure My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) Ticket Purchasing

Feel more secure ordering your My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) tour tickets from TicketSmarter for a worry-free shopping experience. We ensure you'll find well-priced, authentic theatre tickets to your favorite musicals and plays . We've applied our 100% ticket guarantee to ensure that every purchase yields your safety and satisfaction.

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All TicketSmarter theatre tickets are 100% guaranteed. Verified customers rate TicketSmarter 4.6/5.0 stars, so you can purchase with assurance knowing that we stand behind your My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) tickets.

My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) Average Ticket Prices

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Photos: Rob Madge Brings MY SON'S A QUEER (BUT WHAT CAN YOU DO?) to Broadway

Performances will begin on February 27, 2024, with opening night slated for March 12. 

Rob Madge 's My Son's A Queer (But What Can You Do?) is headed to Broadway! Following sold-out and critically acclaimed runs in London’s West End and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Olivier Award nominated play starring writer and performer  Rob Madge , will arrive on Broadway this spring at the Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th St.) for 16 weeks only. Performances will begin on February 27, 2024, with opening night slated for March 12. 

This hilarious, poignant, and infectiously joyous one-person play follows the journey of a family as they explore their son's love for all things Disney, theatre, and their identity as a Queer human. As much a hilarious ode to musical theatre and VHS tapes as it is the power of a family’s acceptance, the production beautifully weaves together themes of love and self-discovery with a pop-culture love-in for fairy tale fanboy/girls (and everyone in between).

Rob Madge (they/them) is a theatre maker, writer and actor who began working professionally in theatre at the age of 9, having spent the majority of their childhood forcing their family to help them put on shows in the living room. Select theater credits include Mary Poppins ( Prince Edward Theatre ), Macbeth (Gielgud Theatre), Oliver! (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), and Les Misérables (25th Anniversary International Tour and Concert).

My Son's A Queer (But What Can You Do?) is written by Rob Madge , directed by Luke Sheppard (&Juliet), and features songs by Pippa Cleary (The Great British Bake Off Musical). The production also features scenic and costumes by Ryan Dawson Laight (Torch Song at The Turbine Theatre, London), lighting by Jai Morjaria (Othello at Lyttleton Theatre), sound by Tingying Dong (The Crucible at Gielgud Theatre), video by George Reeve (Old Friends), and orchestrations by Simon Nathan (Brexit: The Musical at Edinburgh Fringe).

Rob just met the press at where else but the The British Consulate General in New York City and BroadwayWorld was there for the special day. 

Photo Credit: Bruce Glikas

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