Queer Cowboys

Queers Cowboys is an absolute gem of a cabaret/play that delivers on so many levels. Penned by Freddie Love its is in one way a personal journey to combat the loneliness that Freddie felt growing up in small town Oklahoma. But it is also life affirming and highlights the joy that can be gained when living the truth.

It begins under a banner for ‘Oklahoma on wheels’ a show that has for unexpected reasons been cancelled, although Love’s haunting singing of Oh What A Beautiful Morning then wheeling on in fully rhinestone cowboy gear is a nice nod to the full scale musical that might have been.

But what follows is the revealing stories of two ‘transcestors’ Harry Alan and Little Joe Monahan that were life affirming discoveries for Freddie Love. What makes this a very special evening is the variety of ways and characters that are employed to tell their stories. There is lovely use of the audience that never gets gratuitous but feels extremely inclusive. The song choices and vocals draw the audience in and whether it’s the classic ‘Jolene’ or the gentler heartfelt numbers. Love has a great vocal range and has a sincerity that makes you feel they are singing just for you.

The band Olivia Zacharia on keyboard and Musical Director, Migdala Van Der Hoven on drums and Ross McTeague on guitar gave great backing although the balance at times felt a little out and some of Love’s quieter vocals where lost.

It was a sparce but enthusiastic audience that got to see this delightful little show. At sixty minutes it quickly draws you in and you are swept away as Freddie Love has this very personal Trans journey full of empowerment. It totally deserves a bigger audience and should be seen by all, not just the transgender community, because like all good theatre it raises the questions and the issues that we should be addressing