Not another play about gay shame.
Hilarious and heartbreaking in equal measure, Toxic is the critically-acclaimed new show from award-winning theatre maker Nathaniel J Hall (First Time, It’s A Sin).
“This is the story of how we met, fell in love, and f*cked it up.”
Manchester 2017. A chance meeting on a hook-up app sets two damaged thirty-something hearts on a spectacular collision course. Born into Thatcher’s Britain of race riots and rampant homophobia and growing up in the shadow of Aids and Section 28, the pair form a trauma bond so tight, they might just survive it all. But sometimes survival means knowing when to leave.
This explosive semi-autobiographical show written by Nathaniel J Hall and performed by Nathaniel with Josh-Susan Enright blends storytelling (dir. by Scott Le Crass), movement (Plaster Cast), stunning design (Lu Herbert), visual projections and lighting (dede ././ and Tracey Gibbs) and an original pumping soundtrack by SHAR.
Inspired by true events, Toxic is a powerful and passionate play that pulls back the glittery curtain of pride to reveal a place where many still suffer the devastating impact of generational HIV stigma, racism, homophobia and toxic gender norms.
Written & performed by Nathaniel J Hall
Presented by Dibby Theatre
A HOME Co-commission, supported by Arts Council England
Dates
Fri 11 April 2025
Space
Main House
Tickets
£16.00
Duration
80 minutes
Age guidance
18+
Content warning
Contains scenes of recreational drug use, scenes of a sexual nature, strong language, use of homophobic and stigmatising language, references to sexual abuse, frank discussion of racism, scenes of emotional and physical abuse. Includes flashing lights, haze and amplified sound.
