What's Wrong With Angry?

It's more than 15 years since Patrick Wilde's drama about growing up gay in early-'90s Britain first hit the theatre scene. Since then, Clause 28 has been repealed and the age of consent for homosexuals lowered to 16. But if, in this revival directed by the author, the play seems ineffective, it's certainly not because homophobia doesn't remain a persistent social evil well worth anyone's rage. Rather, Wilde's dialogue and plotting feel self-conscious and simplistic.

School is tough for Steven, who apart from spots and crushes has to contend with vicious daily bullying. But at least he is sure of, and comfortable with, his sexual identity, unlike handsome head boy John, his secret lover too ashamed to admit it publicly. Hearteningly, Wilde refuses to turn sharp-witted Steven into a victim. But the acting is awkward and the climactic descent into melodrama so overwrought that it becomes distancing. It may still be relevant,but the piece has lost both its barkand its bite.