EMBRACE is a bold, tender, and strikingly assured debut from Glitter Bloke Productions that announces the arrival of an exciting new voice in queer theatre.

At its heart, EMBRACE understands something deeply true: that coming out, grief, desire, and intimacy can feel profoundly isolating, even when we know others are living through the same moments alongside us. Berry and Reynolds’ script captures that loneliness with wit, warmth, and devastating clarity, weaving together lives across time with an emotional intelligence far beyond that of a first production.

The ensemble is outstanding across the board. Kian Berrydelivers a quietly powerful performance as Kieron, grounding the contemporary storyline with vulnerability and restraint. His scenes with Billy Bowness, who plays both therapist and the older Todd, are beautifully calibrated — Bowness brings a calm, watchful presence that holds the emotional weight of the play with remarkable subtlety. As Todd, he embodies a sense of lived history and ambivalence that deepens the entire piece.

Evan Reynolds gives a nuanced and emotionally open performance as James, capturing the contradictions of love, fear, and self-preservation with ease. Alongside him, Theo Spearebrings warmth and naturalism to Ethan, making their relationship feel authentically messy, tender, and recognisably human. Their shared scenes crackle with honesty, never overplayed, always rooted in truth.

Jacob Partali shines as Dominic, navigating humour and uncertainty with sensitivity. His portrayal of a young man questioning what queerness looks like for him is deeply relatable, and his connection with Will Darwin  who impresses in multiple roles is particularly compelling. Darwin’s performance as Young Todd is quietly devastating, charting loss and erasure during the AIDS crisis with restraint and emotional clarity. His ability to move between timelines and characters speaks to the production’s strong ensemble discipline.

Under Madeline Jadwiga Abel’s assured direction, the production is stylish and confident. The use of music, lighting, and rapid transitions allows the cast to move seamlessly between decades, while the contrast between contemporary club sounds and the haunting familiarity of 1980s pop underscores the play’s emotional stakes beautifully.

The climactic meet-up scene is where EMBRACE truly soars. For the first time, all the modern-day characters share the stage, and the chemistry between the actors is undeniable. The writing becomes at its most fluid and conversational, and every performer holds their own while contributing to a genuinely electric ensemble moment.

Most striking of all is the joy that radiates from the stage. You can feel how much this piece matters to the people telling it and that sincerity lingers long after the final moment.

With EMBRACE, Glitter Bloke Productions deliver a debut that is brave, funny, painful, and deeply human. A very bright future lies ahead for this company and this is only the beginning.

EMBRACE plays at The Hope Theatre until 24 January.