If you were to look up fringe as an art form in the dictionary, the definition would say “Sex Education by Harry Clayton-Wright”, currently playing at the Seymour Centre. With its unique mix of video, music, dancing, interviews, prose, cucumber sandwich making, and audience interaction, there is no way to honestly describe the experience you get in this show.
Without giving away too much, the premise of the show is that Harry has written a letter to his mother about the show he’s going to perform. Between the ‘Dear Mum…’ and ‘PS…’ we get to explore his sexual history starting with when his dad bought him gay porn when he was 14.
Self-described as a promiscuous exhibitionist, the audience gets to see the good, the bad, and the ugly side of sexual experiences in the gay world. Match this, at times, graphic representation of sex with his no-fuss British attitude, and you can start to imagine what sort of sexual ride you’re in for.
There are moments in the show that come across as chaotic, maybe an insight into the writer’s mind, but rest assured that every little nuanced comment and action is cleverly tied together by the end of the performance.
It was quite amusing watching the audiences’ reaction to sitting in a room watching gay porn. With a primarily homosexual crowd, the content wasn’t anything that we hadn’t seen before. However, sitting with a group of strangers, fully dressed, in a mainstream theatre was quite the experience (don’t worry, gay porn isn’t the primary focus, but it does feature heavily).
If this show were a movie, it would carry the highest adult rating possible due to its very strong adult themes and sexual references, even Harry in his letter to his mother disinvites her because of the content.
Cutting through the sex, the show also explores the gay experience in terms of rejection, homophobia and the journey to find one’s place in the community.
If you’re looking to be challenged, have a laugh, and enjoy a healthy smattering of dick then leave your mother at home and get along to Sex Education.
– The other Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig is new to the Sydney Arts scene having most recently lived, worked and performed in London. He has a long history with theatre and when not dabbling in the arts (which rarely ever happens), he works in scientific research and loves to travel the world trying new gin. Follow him on all the socials @talldancraig
Sex Education is at the Seymour Centre until February 28, 70 minutes without interval. Grab your tickets before they sells out.
