REVIEW: GREY AREA by Jonny Peyton-Hill at The King’s Head, Islington 27 Feb – 5 Mar 2023

‘Real and heart-warming’ ★★★

There’s a popular theory that LGBTQ+ people can experience two adolescent periods. The first happens during puberty when their repressed selves act out the heteronormative milestones that almost feel like compulsory parts of growing up. The second adolescence happens when queer people are more comfortable with who they are, but now have to go through a set of new milestones before their identity becomes fully-formed. It is in this second phase where Grey Area begins.

Jackson (Johnny Peyton-Gill) and Peter (Lewis Kennedy) are both in their early 20s. Although they are at different stages in their journeys to self-acceptance, they find themselves caught up in a whirlwind romance with one another. Both are negotiating how to live in their new skin, and how their own individuality works in the context of their relationship.

The play takes us on a non-linear rollercoaster ride through the different stages of their love. The experimentation with the form works to disrupt heteronormative modes of storytelling and leaves us with a clear sense of the story from start to finish. That being said, tension is lacking in parts; a direct result of opting for a structure that doesn’t allow consequential story beats to build on one another towards a resolution.

Peyton-Hill and Kennedy act out intimate scenes with real chemistry, helping the bond between the two characters feel real and heart-warming. But for all the play’s sweetness, there is also a fair dose of tragedy. Grey Area touches on physical illnesses, mental health issues, break-ups and everything in-between. It’s about the highs and lows of everyday life and the things we learn from our early romantic encounters.

GREY AREA by Jonny Peyton-Hill

The King’s Head, Islington

27 Feb – 5 Mar 2023

Booking via https://kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/grey-area  

Produced by Homing Bird Theatre

https://www.homingbirdtheatre.com/events

Reviewer: Danny Shaw

Danny studied English at Bristol University before completing a screenwriting MA at Leeds Beckett. He now works in film and is an aspiring screenwriter / playwright.