Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope ★★★★ Seabright Productions (online) | Jul 22 - Aug 1, 2021


Quentin Crisp was a paradox as he both rebelled against and represented the society he was born into. In later life, he was criticised for his "old-fashioned" views about gay people and issues, but Crisp never sought to be a spokesman for a movement. He sought to be himself and the political critique of him has always seemed rather unfair. Curiously however, the persona he created to be "himself" not only exposed him, making him a victim of society's ridicule, it also became a means to protect him from society and acted to cloak that very self. The dichotomy of being both naked and a civil servant permeates Crisp's self presentation. He exposed and concealed, rebelled and conformed. He relished his role as gadfly and delighted in turning the conventional approach to all subjects on its head. His aphorisms cunningly reversed accepted wisdoms. Crisp was a rebel not a revolutionary, but he lived his life his way and not by the standards of others past or present. Mark Farrelly finds both hope and courage in Crisp's example, and his performance successfully captures his conviction and the paradox that was Quentin Crisp.

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Steve Ullathorne.

Want to save on tickets? See our Tips page

When, Where, Getting there:

Most Popular

St. Martin in-the-fields: Lunchtime Concerts ★★★★ FREE

The Little Big Things ★★★★ @sohoplace | Sep 2 - Nov 25, 2023

Rebecca ★★★ Charing Cross Theatre | Sep 4 - Nov 18, 2023

Strategic Love Play ★★★ Soho Theatre | September 6 - 23, 2023

Private Lives ★★★★ Ambassadors Theatre | Aug 31 - Nov 25, 2023

The Father and the Assassin ★★★★ National Theatre | Sep 8 - Oct 14

It's Headed Straight Towards Us ★★★★★ Park Theatre | Sep 14 - Oct 20, 2023

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre ★★★★ Sadler's Wells Theatre | September 5 - 16, 2023

Infamous ★★★ Jermyn Street Theatre | Sep 7 - Oct 7, 2023

Peter Grimes ★★★★★ London Coliseum | Sep 21 - Oct 11, 2023

The City Life Magazine | Reviews & Ratings