Daniel’s Husband at Marylebone Theatre Review
Written by Bronagh for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Content warnings: strong language, sensitive subject matter and use of haze.
It’s getting to that time of year where we’re all starting to think about what our favourite show of the year has been. That classic remake? The tear jerker? Maybe that musical masterpiece? Every theatre reviewer knows this struggle. Then along comes Daniel’s Husband, a profound and thought-provoking production sure to take a few top spots this year.
Marylebone Theatre has been transformed into Daniel’s sleek and stylish apartment. Designed by Justin Williams, this is the sole location of the production where all the action takes place. The show starts with a dinner party hosted by Daniel and his partner Mitchell (Joel Harper-Jackson and Luke Fetherston) and attended by Barry (David Badella) and his latest squeeze Trip (Raiko Gohara). The first scene isn’t too unlike an American sitcom, with a group of friends making jokes at each other’s expense, enjoying good wine and food. The atmosphere turns frosty when Trip asks Mitchell why he is so opposed to marriage. Scene two introduces us to Daniel’s mum Lydia (Liza Sadovy), a well off woman with a huge house and four dogs who wear matching jumpers. We see Daniel retreat into himself when she’s there, their relationship fractured, although Lydia doesn’t see it that way. What happens next is a bombshell, changing Daniel’s life forever.
This major event isn’t mentioned in the programme or online, and so I will ensure I keep this spoiler free. The moment where we realise what has happened and what this means for Daniel, and also Mitchell, is one of the most tense experiences I have had whilst in a theatre. Within seconds we see how quickly life can changed, as explained by Daniel on a darkened stage with a single spotlight on him. This, as well as scene one, couldn’t have been done successfully without Harper-Jackson and Fetherson, both bringing such raw emotion, anger and frustration.
Gohara is a delight when he is on stage, a tender and caring character with a few laugh out loud moments. Badella is your cliché older gentleman with lots of money and a penchant for younger men; he starts off as a more comic character, and we see his talent shine through and the show goes on. Sadovy plays Lydia well - sour in parts, hilarious in others. I found myself with such a divided opinion on the character and her actions.
The final five minutes are extremely beautiful, really showing off Micheal McKeever’s script and Alan Souza’s direction. This scene is a flashback, taking us back to a moment mentioned in the first scene. This scene alone deserves five stars. It feels like a dream like scenario, the follow up to the perfect first date. There is an air of sadness, us as an audience knowing how this ends, and our hearts breaking for Daniel and Mitchell.
I can confidently say that this is a perfect production. A stellar ensemble of talent, a beautiful script and gorgeous set design. Five stars, no notes.
At Marylebone Theatre until 10th January 2026
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
