With World Pride fast approaching, what better way to kick off gay Christmas than an outing to Sydney Theatre Company’s Hubris and Humiliation, currently playing at STC Wharf Theatre. 

There is a lot of queer theatre out there, not to say anything against straight theatre, but we gays know how to tell a story; put on a fabulous show, design some great costumes and make the audience enjoy a night out. Hubris and Humiliation is a prime example of excellent queer writing, talented creatives telling a great homegrown story that tickles your fancy and makes you think a little bit more about gay love. 

After 5 years of marriage equality in this country, Hubris and Humiliation allows the audience to explore a “normal side” of gay love. Using an Austen-esque format with marriages for convenience and family status, Hubris and Humiliation packs a lot of laughs with the queer community and not against it.

This is the new gay Australian story that we needed, so let’s put Priscilla to bed. Lewis Treston has written the script which explores gay love in modern-day Australia. It’s such a fresh, inclusive script that explores all gamut of sexual attraction with the twists and turns of a classic romantic novel. 

Sitting in the audience as a gay man, I could tell that a gay man also had the reigns of this show. Dean Bryant’s direction captured the queer experience, and the in-jokes made the LGBTQIA+ audience members laugh out loud. 

This show is another great example of what brilliant Australian creatives can do when working with an exceptionally talented Australian cast. It’s hard to put into words, but I believe the performers just got “it”. Each actor took their character, or multiple characters, and breathed modern life into them. They are so relatable; I swear, walking home from the theatre, I saw an example of each character on the street. 

The cast of Henrietta Enyonam Amevor, Mathew Cooper, Roman Delo, Celia Ireland, Melissa Kahraman, Andrew McFarlane and Ryan Panizza authentically brought their characters to life, often through side-splitting quips and interactions. It also doesn’t hurt that all our leading men are very, very handsome. 

With the world’s rainbow spotlight beaming down on Sydney next month, I hope international and local audiences race to see Hubris and Humiliation; it truly is a queer delight. 

– The other Daniel Craig

Daniel Craig is a regular on the Sydney Arts scene after living, working, and performing 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

Hubris and Humiliation runs for 2 hours 20 minutes (including interval) and plays at Wharf 1 Theatre, Sydney Theatre Company through 4 March 2023. Tickets are available through Sydney Theatre Company.

Disclosure: The Plus Ones were invited guests of Sydney Theatre Company
Image credit: Prudence Upton.