For those of us Gen Xers who were around, and remember, when HIV and AIDS first burst into the public consciousness, Cruise will definitely stir up old, long forgotten memories of that time. It was a time of fear and suspicion, when the LGBTQ community was ignored and ostracized because of the ‘gay cancer’. Looking back it both was, and was not, one of humanity’s finest hours.

Cruise, an Olivier Award nominated one man play from Jack Holden, tackles these turbulent times from inside London’s queer community living in Soho. The story told in Cruise is uncompromising, raw, and real. It is brutal in its portrayal of the times yet it’s also a story of love, of hope, and of community.

Forty years on from when AIDS first became part of the public lexicon, it’s easy to forget what those years were like, especially for the LGBTQ community. Cruise is a gut punch to ensure we never forget the hope and hopelessness, the fear and the courage, and how an entire community rallied around each other because the rest of the world turned their backs on them.

Finding Joy in a Time of Fear

Cruise is inspired by a story Jack Holden heard while volunteering on the UK’s LGBT+ Switchboard. It tells the story of Michael, a gay man who moves to Soho and, in 1984, is diagnosed with HIV and given four years to live, which was the standard at the time. The story progresses from his arrival as a clueless newbie in the community through his coming to understand and accept himself, and climaxes with what should have been his last night on Earth.

Daniel Geddes puts on a masterful performance on the stage. He moves seamlessly through the multitude of characters in this story without ever missing a beat. Never once does it feel that this is a one man show. Geddes’ performance fills the stage full of characters, each with their own voice, their own personality, and their own stories to share.

The juxtaposition between young Jack and middle aged Michael is jarring, and Geddes’ playing off the innocence against the experience of these two characters is flawless.

Geddes will make you laugh, make you cry, and move you to your core.

At its heart, Cruise is a story of joy, of the strength of the LGBTQ community during their undoubtedly darkest hours, and Geddes’ performance hits the audience right in the feels.

The Deets

The most important detail is that you need to get your behind to see this show. It is the most brilliant production I have ever seen.

Cruise is currently being staged at The Homecoming Centre, formerly The Fugard, through April 30, 2023.

Shows are:

• Wednesdays - Fridays at 19h30

• Saturdays at 17h00 and 19h30

• Sundays at 14h30

Tickets are R195 and available through Quicket.

Cruise is the first performance in a trilogy for HIV@40.

Executive Producer: Colin Law

Original Music: John Patrick Elliot

Set Design: Wilhelm Disbergen

Lighting Design: Jane Gosnell

Director: Josh Lindberg

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