Thirty years since its premier, Beautiful Thing, comes to The Courtyard Theatre where Leo Owen caught the show

Set on an East London council estate, Jonathan Harvey’s Beautiful Thing (Olivier nominated) at first feels timeless, sound tracked by The Mamas & the Papas and 90s’ hits. Harvey’s story centres on expelled teen Leah (Scarlett Rayner) who’s bizarrely obsessed with Mama Cass; the more mature and articulate Jamie (Rilwan Abiola Owokoniran) who’s bullied at school and their popular sporty neighbour Ste (Raphael Akuwudike). However, as the story progresses 90s’ references and slang firmly place Beautiful Thing in its time.

Watching it thirty years after its inception feels nostalgic but that’s mostly thanks to Xana’s ingenious sound design (perfectly-pitched the show opens with Adamski’s “Killer”: “…so you want to be free to live your life the way you want to be”). Of course, tales of sexual awakening and the fear of being rejected are still just as relevant today and sadly, for many, just as traumatic as early 90s’ experiences. Harvey somehow rather skilfully manages to make serious very sensitive subject-matter light-hearted and elicits audible laughs from the audience throughout.

As Jamie and Ste’s relationship develops, sharp comedic exchanges are tinged with a sadness never fully vocalised as both boys struggle to find acceptance and their place. Casting black actors adds an extra dimension to their relationship, further challenging already limited 90s’ mindsets. Rosie Elnile’s claustrophobic design physically embodies some of the narrow-minded perspectives Jamie and Ste would undoubtedly face. Placing almost all of the action in a narrow walkway of a flat block between front doors also helps to emphasise the impossibility of any privacy as each neighbour hears and sees everything from Leah’s breakdown to Ste’s father’s drunken rages.

Jamie’s mum, Sandra (Shvorne Marks) is a big-hearted no-nonsense barmaid who unwittingly allows Jamie and Ste’s relationship to flourish by encouraging Ste to stay over to avoid further beatings. Her candid heart-to-heart with Ste is especially amusing and exchanges with her aspiring artist boyfriend Tony (Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge). Jamie and Leah’s blunt banter prompts plenty of laughs too in shock value alone at times, as does Leah and Sandra’s catty relationship. There are tender heart-warming moments too as Ste and Jamie navigate their feelings with Jamie feigning an interest in having a kick around, telling a football to “stay” and recalling Cagney and Lacey role play.

The final scene has the oppressive set open up onto blue skies and clouds accompanied by a glitter ball, symbolising the temporary weight removed from both Jamie and Ste in having shared their secret. Closing with a reprise of Mama Cass’s “Dream a Little Dream of Me” gives the play’s rose-tinted ending a slightly mournful pensive tone, perhaps recognising the futures of both Jamie and Ste are unlikely to be happy ever-after stories.

A very optimistic utopian stance on a 90s’ coming out tale when at the time the age of consent remained 21, section 28 continued to prohibit local authorities promoting homosexuality and the Aids epidemic terrorised the gay community. Harvey sensitively balances astute dialogue driven narrative and humour, unsurprisingly since having won the Writer’s Guild Award for 300 plus Coronation Street episodes.

Living up to its title Beautiful Thing is indeed a delight to watch, garnering a standing ovation for its five strong cast.

Beautiful Thing shows at Leeds Playhouse 18th-28th October before continuing its tour: https://britishtheatre.com/beautiful-thing-tour-stratford-east-leeds-manchester/