What happens in My Son's a Queer?
The show begins with a mission. When Rob was a child, they tried to stage a full-blown Disney parade in their living room for their grandma — with Rob playing Mary Poppins, Ariel, Mickey Mouse and Belle, and their dad doubling as stage manager, sound technician and Goofy. It did not go to plan. Dad missed his cues, the floats went the wrong way, and Ariel's bubble gun refused to work. Now, as an adult, Rob sets out to recreate the parade properly — and this time, nobody is going to rain on it.
Home videos, live on stage
The piece is built around genuine VHS footage of Madge's childhood performances, projected on a large screen so the grown-up Rob can perform alongside their younger self. The effect is both very funny and surprisingly tender, as the audience watches a child's confidence and a family's patience play out in real time.
A family that said yes
Underneath the comedy is a simple, generous story: a child who wanted to dress up and put on shows, and the parents and grandparents who let them. The title's gentle joke — "my son's a queer, but what can you do?" — turns out to be about love rather than resignation.
A celebration, not a lecture
My Son's a Queer never preaches. It makes its case for acceptance simply by being joyful, and by inviting the audience to remember their own childhood enthusiasms. By the end, the recreated parade becomes a shared act of celebration between performer and room.
Who is Rob Madge?
Rob Madge is a British musical-theatre performer and social-media favourite who created and stars in My Son's a Queer (But What Can You Do?). Their stage credits include Cabaret, Oliver! (as the Artful Dodger at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), Les Misérables, Mary Poppins and Matilda the Musical, and they are a regular cast member in the London Palladium pantomimes.
From a DM to a phenomenon
The show grew out of clips Madge shared online during lockdown, which struck a chord far beyond what anyone expected. Producer Paul Taylor-Mills brought it to the stage, and what began as a Twitter message became a fully produced, sell-out show on both sides of the Atlantic.
The creative team
My Son's a Queer is directed by Luke Sheppard, the 2026 Olivier Award winner behind Paddington The Musical, & Juliet and Starlight Express, with songs by Pippa Cleary and lyrics by Madge and Cleary. The combination of an intimate autobiographical story and seasoned musical-theatre craft is a large part of why the show lands as warmly as it does.
The show's journey
My Son's a Queer premiered at the Turbine Theatre in 2021, then played the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, a national tour, two West End runs and a Broadway season in New York. It won Best Off-West End Production at the 2022 WhatsOnStage Awards along the way. The Apollo Theatre run in 2026 is billed as a farewell.
Performance details
- First performance: 16 September 2026
- Final performance: 3 October 2026
- Running time: Approximately 1 hour 5 minutes, no interval
- Schedule: Performance days and times are confirmed by the box office — check before booking travel
A strictly limited final run
My Son's a Queer plays a short season at the Apollo Theatre, billed by Rob Madge as the show's last hurrah. Given the show's devoted following and the farewell framing, early booking is strongly recommended, particularly for weekend performances.
Age guidance and content
A warm-hearted, broadly family-friendly show.
My Son's a Queer is a feel-good piece that audiences of many ages have enjoyed together. As recommended ages can vary between runs, families with younger children are advised to confirm the minimum age guidance with the Apollo Theatre box office before booking.
Cast and creatives
- Written & performed by: Rob Madge (solo)
- Director: Luke Sheppard
- Songs: Pippa Cleary (lyrics by Rob Madge and Pippa Cleary)
- Producer: Paul Taylor-Mills
Getting there
- Tube: Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly, Bakerloo) — 3 min walk
- Alternative: Leicester Square (5 min), Tottenham Court Road (8 min)
- Bus: Routes along Shaftesbury Avenue stop nearby
- Parking: Q-Park Chinatown, Newport Place
About the Apollo Theatre
The Apollo Theatre opened on Shaftesbury Avenue in 1901 and seats around 775 across four levels. One of the West End's classic Edwardian houses, its steep, intimate auditorium brings audiences close to the stage — well suited to a solo show that depends on a direct connection between performer and room.
Accessibility
The Apollo Theatre offers accessible seating and facilities, though as a historic building with multiple levels some areas involve stairs. Contact the box office in advance to discuss specific access requirements and to confirm the most suitable seating for your visit.
Producer
My Son's a Queer is produced by Paul Taylor-Mills, who first brought the show to the stage at the Turbine Theatre and has championed it through its journey to the West End and Broadway.
