Nathan Queely-Dennis tells us all about his upcoming show, Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz, showing 8 – 9 October at Northern Stage.
Despite being set in Birmingham, how does the show speak to our audiences in Newcastle?
Nathan: Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz is set in Birmingham, however winning the Bruntwood Prize in Manchester, opening at the Edinburgh Fringe, and then transferring to the Royal Court in London is the journey it’s been on so far. Outside of a 3 minute monologue in 2018, before I even knew it was going to be a play, it’s never been performed in Birmingham.
Writing Bullring, I wanted something that people from any walk of life, any background, and any age could relate to. It’s truly a universal story, there’s something for everyone. Newcastle and Birmingham share many similarities, both having a rich history. The play’s themes of identity, belonging, and the dynamic energy of the culture reflect the lived realities in both Birmingham and Newcastle.
How do you represent romance in the show?
Nathan: I tried to represent romance in all of its forms. Family, friendships, and of course, more intimate relationships. It’s represented as how I view it myself in life. This all encompassing, magical thing that is often unquantifiable but in the same way is the only genuine thing that can keep us going as humans. We all want and look for connection. On the surface, Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz is a Rom-Com, but I think if you reflect on it then it can be so much more than that.
What would you like audiences to take away from the play?
Nathan: I want audiences whilst they’re in the space to be taken to a space, where they can feel a whole spectrum of emotions, some plays you come out of, and you can’t quite shake the feeling whether it’s good or bad. Coming out of Bullring, I’d like audiences to have a sense of closure, feeling glad to have gone on the Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz journey, but also feeling ready to tackle whatever it is they need to in their own respective lives.
What is your favourite Beyoncé lyric?
Nathan: “Some call it arrogant, I call it confident”.
Join Nathaniel as he takes audiences across his love of Birmingham, exploring Black masculinity through Beyoncé lyrics, techno raves, and the deeply intimate relationship between a man and his barber.
Tickets are still available to see Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz at Northern Stage, on 8-9 October.