It never ceases to amaze me where you can find small, independent performance spaces. Nestled under a railway arch, a 15-minute walk from London Bridge, is the Union Theatre. Seating maybe 40-50 people, as the doors opened and we were allowed in, the scene was set before us. A man sat at a table busily preparing for a small party, with music playing in the background as we took our seats.

The play proper opens as Osmond (Gary Tushaw) welcomes his husband Charlie (Niall Sheehy), whose birthday it is, along with their son Kit (Alan P. Jones) and Nana (Julie Wood). The jubilant celebration is soon shattered by the arrival of Charlie’s friend Jane (Hannah Chalmers), who none of them have seen for seventeen years.

Why is she there, and why is Osmond so unwelcoming and bitter towards her?

Through flashbacks, signaled by subtle changes in the characters’ manner, clothing, and pop music, we see Charlie and Jane’s close friendship back in the day and how Charlie’s new relationship with Osmond creates a new dynamic.

Themes of chosen family, fidelity, secrets, shame, and the broad spectrum of sexuality run through ‘Him’ as written by Natalie Ekberg and directed by Simon Fielding. This is a compelling, complicated, frustrating, hopeful story that is grounded in love. It asks the questions, ‘what are we prepared to give up to achieve our goals?’ and ‘what sacrifices are we prepared to make for the ones we love?

When watching the plot unfold, it’s easy to draw parallels with ‘The Object of My Affection’ (1998) or ‘The Next Best Thing’ (2000), but this play adds its own unique take.

The five cast members work exceptionally well together, but Alan P. Jones was most impressive. His portrayal of Kit, the neurodivergent, sensitive, loving and fun teenage son of Osmond and Charlie, was deeply affecting.