An incredible portrayal of trans struggles and defiance in the U.K., both historically and today
What do you get when you cross three-quarters of The Beatles, transmedicalism, audience participation, and trying to fit in with imposed standards? Speakbeast’s phenomenal performance piece, ‘Someone Has Got To Be John’. A fascinating exploration of what it means to be transgender in today’s Britain, Speakbeast tackle immensely difficult issues through the comic lens of a Beatles tribute group. By combining music, recordings from gender identity medical conferences, audience interaction, interviews, acting, and personal anecdotes, the company has created a spellbinding fifty-minute play you don’t want to miss. For fellow trans people, if there are any shows you see, give this one a watch – entertaining, educational, and highly emotive.
You don’t have to be trans or queer to find this show poignant and powerful. (Or even a Beatles fan!) ‘Someone Has Got To Be John’ provides an insightful look into the lives of trans people, both general and personal. From gags about tribute acts not quite living up to their namesakes to the several Johns who have influenced trans medicine in the U.K. – and yes, shocking, there was more than one – Speakbeast have got an original, clever, and intensely intricate show on their hands that they treat with such care and love. It is a lament to the current and historical state of medical care for a marginalised community: and a love letter to trans individuals, a promise of endurance.
‘Someone Has Got To Be John’ is a production at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival between the 18th and 23rd of August. Tickets are available here: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/someone-has-got-to-be-john.