Positive is the name of the one-act play currently showing at The Little at Southwark Playhouse Borough – it also sums up the essence of this production.

The play tells the positive story of two young men Malachi and Ade. When they are together, life is much more positive. They can talk about anything – and they do. Malachi (played by Malachi Antonio) positively encourages his best friend Ade (Kojo Quainoo) to get onboard the dating apps to find love – or at least sex. Ade and Malachi are two black guys, trying hard to navigate traditional family life, their place within black culture and the gay scene. Whilst never mentioning to their family they are gay!

For Ade, when he and his best friend are together the romantic spark flies – but it’s not so for Malachi. He has been damaged by the controlling tendencies of a much older man. He’s able to talk of his pain with Ade, he’s even able to offer some kind and loving gestures – but for Malachi his relationship with Ade is not romantic love. Even when he finds out that Ade is HIV positive, he knows his own mind. He’s there for his friend – but not like that.

This could easily have become a lame love story, or indeed a moralist story about gay sexual behaviour. Fortunately, writer Temi Majekodunmi navigates these particular cul-de-sacs. Malachi needs to be freer, and Ade needs to do more work on who he is before he finds a partner. Positive shows us the most positive thing, for many, is friendship. And maybe this helps the audience reflect on how lucky they would be to have a friend like either young man.

The play is well directed and uses the basic set well. Occasionally it felt like the script was a bit too tight or even too fast: Malachi and Ade never seemed to need to think before they give their monologue or banter like response. This said, it was a good, fun and educational evening at the theatre – with some 5* performances - what more would you want? I would love to see this play on a school curriculum – but it is probably too honest for that!

This show was reviewed on the 13th December 2024 at Southwark Playhouse Borough, London where it runs until the 17th May 2025.  Tickets here: Positive - FORGE Festival - Southwark Playhouse Borough

Review written by Paul Wood

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