Following its sold-out debut at HOME Manchester in 2023, actor, writer and HIV activist Nathaniel J Hall's play Toxic is embarking on a UK tour.
Set in the hedonistic world of Manchester’s underground queer rave scene, the semi-autobiographical play, from the city's Dibby Theatre, tells the story of two people born into a Britain of race riots and rampant homophobia, growing up in the shadow of Aids and Section 28.
Well-known for his community-led advocacy and activism, Hall has become a powerful voice on HIV and LGBTQ+ issues. But despite the success of a previous play and his casting in Russell T Davies’ Channel 4 TV series It’s A Sin, he admits that behind closed doors he found himself locked in self-destructive behaviour and abusive relationships: “Telling my HIV story publicly transformed my professional life, but my personal life was in free fall," he said.
"I thought to myself, what’s really going on here? So I devoured books, checked myself back into therapy and cried buckets. I realised just how exhausted I was from battling shame and stigma every day, and how alcohol, drugs and the pursuit of sex were escapes from tackling it head on."
"In workshops with other LGBTQ+ people, conversations flowed and It became clear to me that despite the modern pride movement, behind closed doors many of us still battle deep shame and self-worth issues.
“Toxic is a love letter to all my exes and myself; I hope it helps others, who may be struggling, to feel less isolated. When it premiered at HOME last year, I was so thrilled to see people laughing out loud with us - and crying buckets with us. I hope it connects with audiences on tour in an equally powerful way.”
The show is recommended for those 18 or over.
Tour dates so far confirmed are: Sheffield Playhouse (March 20-21); Bradford (April 9 - pop up venue for City of Culture); Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield (April 11); Lowry, Salford (April 16-19); Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough (April 24) and Storyhouse, Chester (May 17-18).
More info and tickets here