Kinder By Ryan Stewart

Brighton Fringe is bringing a few interesting productions to the city this May, and one that has been getting some attention is Kinder, a show written and performed by Ryan Stewart. It is a piece that blends comedy with music, using a mix of monologues, lip-syncing, and costume changes to explore some fairly heavy topics. The premise follows a drag clown named Goody Prostate who finds themselves in a bit of a bind: they are supposed to be performing for a group of children, but things go sideways, forcing them to improvise the entire act.

While the setup involves a children's story hour, the show itself is definitely aimed at an adult audience. It digs into themes like global reactionary politics, gender ideology, and the way language can be used as a tool. Stewart, who is queer and neurodivergent, draws on personal experiences to frame the narrative, looking at how we reconcile our own histories with the need to create a community-focused future. It has been described as a mix of Sesame Street and The Exorcist, which gives you an idea of the tonal shift it attempts to pull off—balancing the absurdity of a drag clown performance with a more serious interrogation of memory and nostalgia.

The production is taking place at The Lantern Theatre, located at 77 St James's Street. If you are planning to head down, there are a few different time slots available. You can catch the show on May 2nd and 4th at 17:00, or if you prefer an evening slot, there are performances on May 5th, 6th, and 7th at 21:00. Tickets are priced at £13.00. It is worth noting that the show has previously picked up the List's Best LGBTQIA+ award at the Edinburgh Fringe, so it is coming to Brighton with a bit of a track record for those interested in contemporary theatre that leans into political and social commentary.