MERBOY – A QUEER RETELLING OF THE LITTLE MERMAID is a semi-autobiographical play by writer and producer Liam Sesay about the sexual awakening of a mixed-race, queer boy. Peppered with 60s love songs, this heart-warming camp tale gives hope to anyone who doesn’t feel like they belong Merboy combines the fantasy world of fairy tale with the dramatic yearnings of 1960s girl band music from iconic groups including The Shangri-las, The Crystals and The Ronettes. While dealing with deep themes of gay shame, family honor, and self-worth through poetic verse, visual storytelling, and lip-synching.

This exciting new production is inspired by both the famous fairy tale and intimate letters from Hans Christian Anderson to his friend Edvard Collin. Merboy examines the echoes of cautionary tales told by parents to their children, as well as the dangers of loving too much.

Liam Sesay talked with QUEERGURU on the eve of the Show’s premiere at the Omnibus Theatre in London