Words: George Young

4 Stars

Second Adolescence’s debut production, Baby in the Mirror, is a moving and urgent piece of queer storytelling. Intimate, raw, and emotionally incisive, it offers a deeply felt exploration of the complexities of queer family-making.

From the outset, naturalistic dialogue draws us into a world that feels lived-in and truthful. Though the opening scene feels overly long and frantic, it does clearly set us in the centre of the chaotic atmosphere of moving house. Once the piece finds its rhythm, it’s magnetic. The actors deliver stellar performances, carving out moments of humour and lightness amidst the weight of the heavier parts of the narrative. The three-actors have an unmistakable chemistry and comfort with one another. It’s clear this is a work born through collaboration and feels deeply personal.

With minimal lighting and minimal set, the production leans on the strength of its storytelling. And it more than holds. Baby in the Mirror slowly unpacks the complexities of queer family making. Finally, a piece that doesn’t centre queer trauma or coming-of-age! It doesn’t offer any clear answers; it exacerbates the trickiness and the difficult emotions and decisions involved.

For those looking for answers – this isn’t it. But what it does do is mirror real queer relationships – sometimes so much of a mirror, it is hard to believe how accurate it is. There are moments where the direction feels visible which feels out of place in such a naturalistic piece.

Intimate, emotionally rich characters and complex relationships: it is the kind of theatre that could translate exceptionally well to screen. Second Adolescence are absolutely one to watch. Strong debut. I’ll be watching for what they do next.

Baby in the Mirror
Red Lecture Theatre, Summerhall
15.15
7-25th Aug