Review: An Adequate Abridgement of Boarding School Life as a Homo (Burton Taylor Studio)

When I saw the title An Adequate Abridgement of Boarding School Life as a Homo, I didn’t read anything else about it but just thought ‘that sounds like it will be funny' and put it on my list of shows I’d like to see. I was pleased to review this Choir Boy Productions show at the Burton Taylor Studio in Oxford.

Written by Ned Blackburn, who also plays Johnny in the show, this play is exactly what you would expect it to be about from the title. Within seconds of it starting it became clear that Johnny is our focal point, as he talked about his time in his final year at boarding school.

Ned Blackburn & Harvey Weed. (Production photo)

Johnny’s initial moments with the audience brought a sense of intimacy – almost as if you’re listening to a friend describing the situations he found himself in. This is partly due to the delivery of it almost as a monologue to start with, but also skillful engaging with the audience, including quite soulful eye contact at times. Ned Blackburn’s 18 year old is convincing, and visually he’s got such an innocent look about him that some of the lines he delivers are amusing just because of this contrast with what’s being said. Throw in some choice facial expressions and the laughs are fairly constant until the show nears its end.   Meanwhile Harvey Weed brings a number of characters to life including an older female shop assistant, a teacher and a priest, and eventually rugby golden boy, Harry. This effective portrayal of so many different characters is impressive to watch.

With all that said it’s the performances by the actors when they are onstage together that elevates this show to the realms of something special, and the portrayal of two schoolboys who are enduring boarding school as well as navigating first relationships is true to life. I feel like anyone would relate to their teenage years in some way, whether the struggle with education resonates or the intensity of a first relationship, or having to keep a part of your character hidden.

Johnny’s “not quite good enough” description of himself, whether about rugby, or his lack of enthusiasm/ability to learn, colliding with perfect Harry’s aloof arrogance brings chemistry in spades throughout the narrative, in the good times and crashingly awful moments alike. Alongside this there is the joy of watching two skilled performances which contain humour, drama, passion and even a bit of dancing. There’s a lot packed in to this hour, both actors shining throughout.

Ned Blackburn & Harvey Weed. (Production photo)

The direction by Meg Bowron and Josh Stainer ensures that the pacing works well for the story, and the intimate scenes between Johnny and Harry are authentic. The comic timing and energy levels throughout are admirable - fitting for the level of energy teenagers have.

The use of music by Britney Spears not only fits with Johnny’s character but also contrasts brilliantly with the oppressive nature of the school setting itself. Fleeting glimpses into Johnny’s first insight into Grindr bring hilarity, and the show is rounded off well with a gear shift which packs a punch, and a satisfying ending. But will this handsome young couple survive after the trauma of connecting at boarding school?  You’ll have to see the show to find out.

An Adequate Abridgement of a Boarding School Life as a Homo is the sort of show that keeps me coming back to fringe theatre. I highly recommend catching this tour as it continues if you have the chance, before this cast and crew move on to bigger things.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

An Adequate Abridgement of a Boarding School Life as a Homo currently on tour and you can next catch it at Riverside Studios in London from 27^th April to 10^th May.

If you would like to see my curtain call photographs from this and other shows, please visit my Instagram.

I was gifted a ticket for this show in exchange for an honest review.