Local icon Lindsay Prodea’s first solo show at new Fringe venue Plant 4 Bowden is a thing of joy. The venue is great (go early and get some food) and the airy mezzanine theatre space is dressed with fairy lights and packets of rainbow Mentos scattered on the cabaret-style tables in case you need to keep your blood sugar up (sit down early and make some mates).

Prodea is a music theatre hero around these parts, but this is no mere show tune round-up. Instead, it’s a journey through the soundtrack of Queer history that tells a story of struggle and liberation through torch songs and funky disco beats alike. His musical heroes all make an appearance, from Cole Porter to Diana Ross to Jimmy Somerville, via Dusty, Dolly and Dionne. While there’s plenty of emotion, both in the songs and in Prodea’s heartfelt and informative commentary, the over-riding note is one of celebration. Sure, first night nerves are in evidence, but you’d have to have a heart of stone to hold that against such an engaging performer who is not leaving anything in the tank. Grab your dancing shoes and hop on a (free!) tram and get yourself down to Bowden for a boogie. 

A Friend Of Dorothy: Anthems Of Pride, Plant 4 Bowden, Saturday 1, Saturday 8 & Sunday 16 March, times vary.