Grandmother’s Closet – Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Grandmother’s Closet continues at Summerhall, Edinburgh until 28 August 2022.

Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

In this autobiographical and heartfelt show, queer artist Luke Hereford joins his Nan’s 90th Birthday celebrations at the home she lived in for many years and which became Luke’s safe space. Now suffering from dementia, she is being cared for elsewhere but is brought back to her house to party with her relatives, who include Uncle Ignorant, the homophobe, who taunted Luke growing up.

Nan has been Luke’s fierce protector. She gave him a standing ovation when a young Luke first performed his Judy Garland, while the rest of the family shifted uncomfortably. She encouraged him to express himself. She popped a pack of condoms into the Tesco trolley and gave him some sage advice as he was about to attend his first Pride in the big city of Cardiff. She was with him on his first trip to New York (eight Broadway shows in five days!). Now, as the dementia takes hold her memories fade, Luke is frightened that she can no longer be his SuperNan fighting off the baddies in the story and gently encouraging Luke to follow his own path.

Hereford is an engaging performer and has written a beautiful and very moving piece of theatre, highlighting key moments in his journey by belting out inventively the hits of Madonna, Kylie and Kate Bush. The set is clever and full of theatrical surprises, as Hereford works his way through his Nan’s glamorous wardrobe. There is smart direction by Francois Pandolfo and supportive onstage accompaniment from bestie Bobby Harding on keyboards and raised eyebrows.

Throughout the show, Hereford is looking for the lipstick colour that his Nan always wore. It takes some time but he finds it along with the realisation that although his Nan can’t be his protector anymore, he needn’t be frightened because she has nurtured in him the strength to stand up to the Uncle Stupids of this world and be himself.

A lovely, funny, touching show, which made me wish that all those kids being bullied and trodden on because they dare to be different had a Nan like Luke’s.

Keith Paterson