BIRTHMARKED written and performed by Brook Tate tells the sad story of how he became excluded from Jehovah’s Witnesses for openly talking about his sexuality. His fate is decided by three of the elders who happened to be two window cleaners and a plumber, the exact description used in the performance as to who made the ultimate decision on his removal.

Told through scriptures from the Bible we meet the whale who is a descendant of the Moby Dick whale from the famous novel. However, The whale is used partly as a metaphor for changing attitudes and opinions on how we can change the script if we do. As the whale on several occasions discusses eating Tate and chooses not to.

The concept of a musical about the Jehovah’s Witnesses struck me as a concept that could be problematic. However, it is performed with honesty and compassion there’s not a hint of bitterness towards the decisions made just grief about the fact that he can no longer see or talk to his siblings, and he misses them terribly.

The costumes and puppetry designs used in this production add depth to the storyline and the transformation that happens towards the end of the show in front of the audience is wonderful Promoting Buttons is being who we truly are and not pretending to live a life that we don’t want to live.

From the selection of productions, I have seen at the Edinburgh Fringe this year that could make the transfer I could see making the transition across to the West End potentially starting on the Off West End first but it has all the right ingredients to be a phenomenal show.

For more information and to book tickets to see this production before it finishes the Edinburgh Fringe run please use the link below.

Five Stars.

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/horizon-showcase-birthmarked