Show: First Time
Location: Unity Theatre, Liverpool
Date: Thursday October 21, 2021
Time: 19.30
Running Time: 80 Minutes
Age Rating: 16+
Performers: Nathaniel J Hall
Production Company: Dibby Theatre
Writer: Nathaniel J Hall
Director: Chris Hoyle
Our latest theatre review is for First Time at Liverpool’s Unity Theatre. The show runs until Friday October 22 2021. So let’s take a look at First Time!
Background
When Russel T. Davies’ groundbreaking series ‘It’s a Sin’ hit our screens earlier this year, it opened a necessary and long overdue dialogue about HIV. In his autobiographical, one-man show ‘First Time’, Manchester-born actor and writer Nathaniel J Hall (who incidentally starred in the hit Channel 4 series) gives a performance that oscillates between heartbreaking and hilarious as he navigates a tempestuous path through guilt, acceptance, and empowerment.
Synopsis
Imagine being 16. You’ve just left school, you’ve torn up the dancefloor at your Year 11 prom (wearing a snazzy white tuxedo, no less) and you’ve got the whole world at your feet. Now imagine, just mere months later, being told you’re at the mercy of an incurable illness; an illness shrouded in stigma, shame, and scandal. That was the reality for Hall who, in 2003, after his first sexual encounter with a man, was diagnosed with HIV.
Eighteen years later, his award-winning show – which debuted to critical acclaim at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe Festival – charts Hall’s compelling journey from conscience-stricken teenager to exultant HIV activist, educator and survivor.
The piece begins in 2017, with the protagonist encountering what he describes as his ‘Britney circa 2007’ moment.
Despite being an out-and-proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Hall’s all-consuming fear about modern-day perceptions of HIV has prevented him from being transparent about his diagnosis to his family.
Concealing his feelings of shame and fear has manifested itself into extensive bouts of sadness and depression. And so, he stands, alone, on stage in a dressing gown and pair of neon briefs, guzzling a bottle of gin whilst sporting a pretty sizeable cocaine moustache.
Over the course of the 80-minute show, we learn what got him here. From his first meeting with Sam, his first sexual partner, to his harrowing diagnosis at a Manchester GUM clinic, to his triumphant poetry reading at the Sackville Gardens candlelit vigil, it’s impossible not to be moved by this groundbreaking piece of theatre.
Analysis
Once you’re ensconced in the intimate surroundings of the Unity Theatre, you’re immediately aligned with the tone of the piece.
Irene Jade’s simple stage design is perhaps not the most sensational – a park bench, a duvet and a medical examination screen are the most prominent features – but throughout the show these key items are utilised to great effect to illustrate the narrative.
Even as the audience file in, Hall’s natural effervescence is apparent as he dances to ‘Club Tropicana’ and apologetically gestures to his disheveled get-up, repeatedly remarking, ‘I haven’t been to bed yet’.
It is an immense challenge for any performer to single-handedly command the stage for more than an hour, however Hall does so expertly. His performance encapsulates the perfect blend of poignancy and playfulness. Furthermore, there are some moments guaranteed to have you laughing out loud and others on the verge of tears.
One of the show’s most exciting assets is it’s unique sound design. This contains the powerful use of voiceover and original music, specially curated by Hall himself. Any Will Young fans are in for a particular treat as the popstar features heavily in the playlist.
If you’re not keen on audience participation, then this might not be the show for you. Hall has such a natural rapport with the audience and there are times where it feels as if he is more like a friend, pouring out his heart from centre stage. The inclusion of a tongue-in-cheek (but also educational) HIV quiz is a particular interactive highlight.
It is important to stress that, as the subject matter suggests, this is not a show for children. The adult themes and pretty frequent swearing see the show labelled as 16+, and those who are easily offended by such language may wish to steer clear.
Summary
There are some pieces of theatre that carry a significance that reaches far beyond entertainment. First Time certainly falls into that bracket. Warm, witty, and powerful, this is a show that deserves to be seen, and serves as a reminder that there is still much work to be done in the battle to de-stigmatise HIV.
Notes
Target Audience: 16+
Content: Strong language, scenes of recreational drug use, references to sexual grooming, strobe light & use of sudden loud sounds.
Recommendation?: Yes
Overall Rating: 9/10 – Outstanding
First Time Further Link
First Time runs at the Unity Theatre until Friday October 22 2021. So, to purchase tickets, please click here.
Did you see First Time? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
