Some of the humour is distinctly of its sub-culture: some members of the audience on opening night were in stitches at lines that went straight over my head... but still I found plenty to laugh at, even if most of the humour is not terribly sophisticated
But it doesn't really need to be: this is joyful entertainment, not serious social commentary, and the late playwright Adrian Pagan managed a lovely balance between drama, pathos and solid laughs.
If I were to make a complaint about the production, it is one area of stereotyping. I really, really can't believe that the gay community only ever listens to Kylie Minogue songs - yet every "gay" play I see seems to have her as a prominent feature. I've nothing against Kylie, but could we please have a little variety in the soundtrack?
The Backroom continues at the Cock Tavern Theatre, Kilburn, until April 11. Online booking.
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