Makers of HIV comedy play ‘Positive’ extend invite to Nigel Farage
By Ben Kelly
A comedy play exploring the lighter side of living with HIV, Positive, is due to be revived at London’s Park Theatre this summer, and its writer has invited UKIP leader Nigel Farage to come and watch it.
Positive originally played at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which was followed by a successful run at Waterloo East Theatre last year – a production which garnered a 4-star review from Attitude. Now, it’s set to play for three weeks at the Park Theatre in London’s Finsbury Park.
Inspired by true stories, Positive is a refreshingly honest and ultimately uplifting comedy breaking down the out-dated preconceptions around HIV and the 100,000+ people living with it in the UK today.
Reflecting on the comments made by UKIP leader Nigel Farage in last week’s election debates, playwright Shaun Kitchener, who also plays a supporting role in Positive, said, “HIV sufferers in Britain today are reportedly more likely to die from depression resulting from the stigma attached to them than they are from the virus itself. It’s not that it’s a medical walk in the park, but it’s not a death sentence anymore – and it’s about time theatre reflected this.”
He adds, “If Mr Farage wants to come along and see the play for himself to learn a thing or two, we’d be more than happy to have him.”
Positive runs July 9 to August 1 at the Park Theatre near Finsbury Park, London N4.
Twitter: @PositivePlayLDN
Facebook: West Avenue Theatre Company