Young talent shines in poignant political comedy

Tory Boyz by James Graham received its debut in 2008, enjoying a sold-out run at the Soho Theatre. Graham, who has had recent success with This House as the National Theatre has since revived and updated Tory Boyz, to include in its plot our current coalition government and recent pieces of legislation: important factors in a play which discusses the historically potent topic of homosexuality in politics. Here he demonstrates a similarly deep understanding of the political classes, as was seen in This House.

Performed by the National Youth Theatre's repertory company, this production showcases fifteen of the finest young acting talents on the scene today, each aged between 18 and 25. Rising star Simon Lennon takes the lead role, showing maturity and subtlety beyond his years. The play deftly handles and examines a weighty issue which is still relevant in the present day, whilst remaining light-hearted at times and often moving.

What is Tory Boyz about?

Protagonist Sam is a young, working-class northern lad, and a researcher at the Conservative party, with aspirations to one day becomes an MP. He also happens to be gay, and is grappling with this as a political issue in itself. His party has been famously divided by this topic, and the play sees him wrestling with the conflict which exists between his sexual identity and how many of his party would wish him to appear.