PR/Gifted
Apparently, 28 is the new old. At least according to Benjamin Quirk, whose good hair, hot boyfriend and near non-existent waist are no match for the terrifying arrival of his first chest hairs. Death is coming for us all. For Quirk, it is coming sooner than most.
Twink Death is a mash-up of comedy, storytelling and vulnerability, as Quirk sets out on a mission to achieve immortality and secure a redemption arc worthy of Christ himself. It is funny and camp, but beneath the chaos is something much more heartfelt: a story about sexuality, faith and the messy journey towards accepting yourself.
Quirk is a hugely likeable performer and completely owns the stage. His energy never wavers, and his ability to jump from comedy into moments of genuine vulnerability is very impressive.
However sometimes, there is perhaps a little too much going on. The central story occasionally gets lost amongst the various ideas and genre shifts, and by the time we reach the latter bit of the play, things become increasingly difficult to piece together. The foundations of a really compelling story about the conflict between sexuality and belief are definitely there, but some of the ideas feel like they need more time to breathe and develop.
Quirk has the talent and stage presence to carry it, and with a little more tightening, Twink Death could become something really special.
For now, it is a funny and occasionally poignant show – and a reminder that if 28 really is the beginning of the end, we might as well laugh about it.
Twink Death is on at 21:00 in Patter House until 30th August
Get your tickets here: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/benjamin-quirk-twink-death
Written by Helena Featherstone
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