Daddy's First Gay Date
It takes a lifetime to work out who we are. For those coming out as queer, knowing ourselves and accepting ourselves can be a delayed experience as feelings are suppressed, sometimes for years.
That’s certainly the case for those coming out in later years and even more so for those who have been in a long-term straight relationship, possibly resulting in children. Sam Danson’s new comedy, Daddy’s First Gay Date explores these themes with great humour, sensitivity and with a lot of heart.
The play opens with Sam's character, Ben on the worst nightmare of all date nights. Helen, his partner of 15 years, played beautifully by Megan Edmondson, is anticipating a long-expected, but elusive marriage proposal while out on their anniversary dinner. Instead, Ben announces that he is bisexual, ends their relationship, flirts with the waiter, and…well, let’s say he gets to dessert before the end of the meal! As if all of that wasn’t complex enough, after Ben’s shock revelation, Helen announces that she is pregnant!
This sees the beginning of the most unlikely relationship between a very unsure Ben, with zero self-esteem, and a vivacious, out, proud and loud Tim played by Dior Clarke. Of course, real life tells us that no one is ever truly that confident and we soon discover Tim’s insecurities too.
The play tracks the complexities of coming out later in life and Danson manages to do this with humour and warmth. In particular, we see the arch of Helen’s character who so wants to hate Ben for what he’s done but is still there for him to pick him up after disastrous dates. In one really touching scene (in a car, complete with a belting rendition of a song from Wicked!) she admits that, despite being angry with him for the way he’s treated her she wants to support him on his journey. In this moment, Danson captures the complex emotions experienced, not just by the person coming out, but for all of those around them too.
Danson plays his character with a delightful awkwardness throughout. Ben is instantly recognisable – he is funny but uses humour mostly as a mechanism of self-protection. In so many moments, he manages to put his foot in it, while attempting a compliment! Clarke is constantly energetic as Tim, but for me, occasionally he strays into the caricature territory of the flamboyant gay man.
If I were to offer any negative criticism, it would be around the technical support. The play seemed to judder into action, rather like a car being given a jump start. This had nothing to do with the actors, but everything to do with the house lights being left on, leading to Danson having to make a very obvious cue to the technical team from the stage floor. There were one or two other moments where the lighting let the production down, which is unfortunate, but is definitely not a reason not to go and see the play. In fact, I’d say, make a date to see it!
This show was reviewed on the 30th October 2025 at the Seven Dials Playhouse, London where it runs until the 16th November 2025. Tickets available here: Daddy's First Gay Date at Seven Dials Playhouse
Review written by Ian Worsfold
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Photo credit: Jason Locke
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