Boys in the Buff returns to the stage for the eighth time. Reworked, with new musical lyrics reflecting topical subjects like the “weight loss jabs” most people know someone who uses them even if they haven’t told you and a new lead role in the typical female part, Maxie is played by the charismatic drag artist Tish Weinman. Who knows how to entertain and engage with an audience.

Under the watchful eye and wing of Maxie. Her four “boys” are Luca (Maz Rizzo), Daniel (Rowan Armitt-Brewster), Richard (Liam Bradbury) and Phil (Adam Norton). Each has their own hang-ups and insecurities about how their bodies look to the outside world and how they view themselves through their bodies. Although their personalities really shine out as they open up and “bare all”!

Although Boys in the Buff focuses predominantly on the male physique their personal concerns are universal and I dare say everyone in the audience could relate. Everyone has something they would like to change or lose. However, and more importantly, everyone should focus on at least one thing that they like about themselves.

The cast in Boys in the Buff discuss their early memories from the dreaded horrors of communal changing rooms, school bullies who find any possible personal detail they can to torture their victims over and destroy the victims’ self-worth.

Choreographer Robbie O’Reilly has once more brought her skills and keen eye for detail to the latest production of Boys in the Buff alongside musical director Aaron Clingham. They have proved previously that they have a good working relationship and bring some West End glamour to the Fringe.

However, by the end of the Musical each of the “boys” has built their confidence up enough to find liberation from all the negative adverts and body shaming to allow themselves to be comfortable enough to bare everything and embrace the “buff” in public. Much to the audiences delight and applause.

For more information about Boys in the Buff and future productions at The Golden Goose please use the link below.

Photo credit Peter Davies.

Four Stars.

https://www.goldengoosetheatre.co.uk/

Words and music-Chris Burgess
Directed and choreographed- Robbie O’Reilly
Designed-Alan Meggs
Musical direction-Aaron Clingham