The boys may be broken, but the show isn’t in need of fixing.
Presented as part of the Camden Fringe, Liam David Malcolm’s Broken Boys is a compelling, new play that brings a fresh, nuanced perspective to an all too familiar queer story.
At the heart of the narrative are two deeply intriguingly written characters whose relationship forms the emotional anchor of the piece. What makes the writing particularly effective is its refusal to rely on easy tropes with neither character functioning as a clear-cut hero or an obvious villain. Instead, both oscillate between being genuinely sympathetic and deeply frustrating, capturing the messy reality of human behavior. While a queer relationship drives the plot, the play’s true focus extends well beyond romantic or sexual identity. Instead, it offers an examination of gender expression, the nature of masculinity, and the heavy weight of societal expectations. These are pressures that affect men across the spectrum, whether gay, straight, or anywhere in between.
This strong thematic foundation is brought to life by two strong central performances. The chemistry and underlying friction between the leads are palpably charged from the outset. They are supported by a versatile script that seamlessly balances sharp, well-timed comedic beats with moments of raw, exposed vulnerability, allowing the actors to showcase an impressive emotional range.
Where the production stumbles slightly is in its tendency to occasionally underestimate the intelligence of its audience. At a few key junctures, the dialogue leans into heavy-handed exposition, explicitly spelling out the central thesis rather than trusting the subtext and the strength of the drama to carry the weight. This is most noticeable in the play’s final scene, a flashback to a therapist’s office, which feels unnecessarily drawn out and overly didactic. Trimming this sequence, or removing it entirely, would allow the narrative to end on its natural striking climax. The emotional gut-punch of the narrative end of the piece would leave a far more lasting impression than rewinding the clock to explain what the show has already successfully demonstrated.
From a technical and creative standpoint, the production is tight and visually assured. The overall direction, lighting design, and restraint used in the audio cues work in harmony, which is a level of cohesive production polish that is a rare and impressive find in small fringe shows still finding their footing. Additionally, the clever, versatile set design allows the creative team to navigate a myriad of distinct locations without ever feeling cluttered or distracting.
Engaging, well acted, and intelligently staged, Broken Boys provides a fresh, thought-provoking lens on a narrative framework we only think we know. It is a striking piece of fringe theatre that has an interesting point of view which is delivered in an entertaining and well put together show.
Broken Boys played at the Hen and Chickens Theatre, as part of Camden Fringe, from 14th – 16th August.