Reviewer: Christine Stanton
Writer & Director: Adam Zane
“Fabulous Fivesome”
4.5 / 5
Jock Night is set in the Gay Village in Manchester – focusing on five men who love nothing more than chemsex parties, hook-ups and living their lives to the full. There’s no judgement, no bad vibes and definitely no trousers allowed.
At the heart of the fabulous fivesome is Ben (David Paisley) – older than the other guys, he’s often referred to as daddy (much to his dismay). After spending years in a long-term relationship, he’s finally keen to let loose and experience as much of the lifestyle as he can, so spends many evenings with best friends Corrie-obsessed honorary Northerner Kam (Sam Goodchild) and Insta-newbie, Russell (Matthew Gent) out on the town together. They swipe through their myriad of dating apps, inviting people back to Ben’s flat to join them for group sex, GHB and whatever other drugs they’ve managed to get their hands on that evening.
One night, they bring AJ (Levi Payne) back – young and not as experienced in the world of chemsex parties, his newness shows as he makes an offensive comment about whether everyone is ‘clean’ before they carry on hooking up. Writer & Director Adam Zane uses this moment as a brilliantly informative, yet casual way to teach about the benefits of PrEP as well as reference the unnecessary stigma that can still arise about being HIV positive. There are brief moments of seriousness such as this, throughout the otherwise extremely funny play, which helps to add more realism into the storyline, making the characters even more likeable and endearing than they were already.
After AJ leaves, porn performer (not star, as Kam frequently points out!) Hunter (George Hughes) takes his place, forming an unexpected close connection with Ben and after a flashforward a few months ahead, they are in the depths of a serious relationship – drug free and completely monogamous, Hunter has dropped his porn name and goes by Simon, attempting to find a job and a embark on a new path in life. The shift brings about a new dynamic to the group, with Zane expertly exploring their various issues, setbacks and milestones. Each of the characters are excellently written and the execution from all five of the actors is flawless. Goodchild and Gent in particular are absolutely hilarious, their comedic timing perfectly honed. Each of the actors show delicate vulnerability in the midst of many of their relatable and enjoyable conversations – which is brilliantly received by the audience.
Expect a bare arse at eyeline throughout a lot of the show if you’re sat in the front row as most of it is performed in jock straps as the actors prepare for various nights out throughout the course of a year. The writing holds nothing back as the actors confidently portray the highs and lows of the characters lifestyles, and the audience are made to feel like they’re sat in the bedroom alongside the characters, up close, personal and part of the friendship.
If you’re prudish or easily uncomfortable with conversations about sex, drugs or Deirdre Barlow then this show definitely isn’t the one for you, but if you love hearing about romps, raves and The Rovers Return – get yourself down to Seven Dials Playhouse immediately.
Runs Until 11 November 2023
Photo Credits: Dawn Kilner
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