Beautiful thing: a dynamic and brilliant play

Three doors, two plastic chairs and a tricycle decorate the stage. A simple set-up for some of the most dynamic and challenging characters and relationships, handled incredibly by Director Tom Scudamore, topped with a healthy dose of comedy and slick set and costume design. Beautiful Things is The Sewell Barn Company’s latest triumph, and a lesson in stagecraft and great casting.

The most interesting relationship was that between our protagonist, Jamie (Jeremiah Humphreys-Piercy) and his mother Sandra (Amber-May Ellis). Achieving such a nuanced and heart-warming relationship between such vibrant and, at times, challenging characters was no mean feat, but became the highlight of the play. Ellis’ line delivery was genius to begin with, with quips that immediately won us over, then exploring her questionable choice of men and unashamed sexuality with conviction. Praise must also be given to the incredible fight co-ordination that had us gripping our seats – an important moment in the turbulent mother-son relationship that renders the conclusion that much more rewarding.

Another standout cast member was Leah (Andi Ruth) whose incredible energy grounded every scene she was in, including the bizarre grand finale. The 90s details in her costume design were gorgeous; across the production the design was underscored by an unmissable attention to detail, with even old Tesco and Vans logos. The set design was gloriously done in a space built for geographically static plays like this, and the transitions between scenes (including carrying an enormous bed through a metre-wide corridor) elevated the piece to something that felt entirely professional.

It was refreshing to see queer media written in the last century that isn’t scared of what it is: as the note on the programme alludes to, this isn’t an AIDS tragedy nor is it a play that dances around the subject. Instead we see two boys working out who they are in a world not built for them, finding comfort in each other and yet overcome by fear. The two female characters, and indeed Sandra’s current plaything Tony (Richard Vojvoda) provide an important reminder of the often unexplored grey area in coming out stories. This play isn’t black and white, but the product of a society slowing grappling with the existence of queer people, where acceptance and fear did, and still do, co-exist. Scudamore has achieved a difficult balance of both tugging on the heartstrings and littering the piece with consistent comedy, intentionally leaving the audience conflicted yet distinctly optimistic at the conclusion.

Beautiful Thing is a gorgeous piece of writing, exceptionally directed and performed by The Sewell Barn Company. A heartfelt and polished exploration of queerness and class in the 90s, it is undoubtedly an entertaining and challenging show, guaranteed to make you laugh and cry.

Beautiful Thing by Jonathan Harvey runs at Sewell Barn Theatre from 4-6, 10-13 June 2026.