Review: BI-TOPIA at Seven Dials Playhouse

19 Jun

⭐⭐⭐ (Three Stars)

BI-TOPIA, written and performed by Sam Danson, is a heartfelt and often very funny one-man autobiographical play that explores bisexuality, masculinity, and identity through the metaphor of military life. Directed by Rikki Beadle-Blair, the play places Sam - a bisexual man from a lineage of military men - at the centre of his own internal battlefield, using the metaphor of warfare to chart his coming-of-age story.

Danson’s performance is energetic and deeply personal, and he shines brightest in moments of comedy, where his natural charisma and timing land with charm. The military motif is cleverly embedded throughout, from the set design, which features a war room-style table and a stage littered with beer cans and bricks, to the conceptual framing of military campaigns of manhood.

However, the 60-minute runtime feels restrictive. The narrative hurtles through Sam’s adolescence and young adulthood at such a pace that there’s little room to sit with or unpack the emotional weight of certain moments. While this is a one-man show, there are other characters depicted alongside Sam and the rapid character shifts, while ambitious, are not always clearly signposted, leading to occasional confusion as to who is speaking or being portrayed.

Ultimately, BI-TOPIA is a passionate and promising piece that captures the complexity of identity with humour and heart. With more space to breathe, and a touch more clarity in its character work, this could evolve from a strong concept into a truly compelling production.

BI-TOPIA runs at Seven Dials Playhouse until 22nd June 2025.

Tickets are available here: https://sevendialsplayhouse.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173663231