Wet Feet, Union Theatre Review
Written by Bronagh for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.
Content warnings: themes of a sexual nature but no nudity.
Nathan (Matthew Edgar) is openly gay and has been for years. His sexual confidence is a far cry from that of Franko (Michael Neri), who is firmly in the closet. The pair meet in a private cabin at a sauna, where their connection grows into something more meaningful than they ever expected.
We meet Franko and Nathan in a private cabin at said sauna, where Franko disinfects everything in site and cannot deal with the thought of his feet getting wet – both literally and metaphorically. This very much amuses Nathan, who is no stranger to dalliances in the sauna, and he takes him under his wing. The pair meet up weekly, connections deepen in a way neither expected, and conversations and discussions of past experiences and current feelings become darker.
Franko’s obsessive cleaning first presents itself as comic technique, a newbie in a sauna not knowing the etiquette. This soon takes a dark turn and we find out exactly how ashamed and confused Franko feels about his sexuality – ‘dirty’, even. Religion has ruled Franko’s life, throughout a time where Section 28 was in place oppressing the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality. Nathan may seem confident, however, underneath his confidence he has experienced being ostracised by family due to his sexuality and suffered an attack in a bar. Like Franko, he has his own issues which he needs to face before he feels truly free.
Both actors embody their characters, Franko gleefully awkward at times and Nathan seemingly cocky in a more charming way. The chemistry, emotion and shared vulnerability is there, making it easy to believe the relationship that soon unfolds and presents itself to us as an audience. I had a fleeting moment of terror that we would have an unhappy ending; no spoilers here, but I will say I left feeling very warm, and happy about the ending that we were presented with.
Massimo Neri’s lighting was a firm favourite of mine, the cool tones creating a sauna-like atmosphere in the Union Theatre and moments of darkness symbolising time moving. Dominic Rouse is director of Wet Feet, his direction ensuring the show ticked over nicely throughout the short 70 minutes. I can truly say the audience was gripped, some having audible reactions to certain scenes and actions.
Wet Feet is a brilliant addition to queer theatre, showing how difficult acceptance can be despite Section 28 being abolished, civil marriage being legalised and gay rights overall coming a long way. Wet Feet is emotional and amusing in equal parts, a true heart warmer of a show.
At the Union Theatre until 29th June 2024.
★ ★ ★ ★
