How a Musical About Butt Plugs Converted a Musical Skeptic
A new musical titled Hole, running at Soho Theatre before heading to the Edinburgh Fringe, has achieved what seemed impossible: converting a self-proclaimed musical-phobic gay man into a fan. The show's premise involves a religious sect in Nebraska that wears butt plugs at all times after being warned to 'plug up or face the wrath of God'. When the apocalypse arrives, only those wearing butt plugs survive, including a group of 'perverted gays'.
A Premise That Defies Expectations
The story follows teenagers Luke and Connor, who have spent nearly half their lives plugged up. They are sent on a mission of redemption and discover they are not alone—the only people left on Earth are the well-prepared Nebraskans and anyone else who happened to be wearing a butt plug at the time. The musical, created by Nadja Leonhard-Hooper and Jake Brasch, uses minimal props—99p red cups, plastic toys, and bargain-bin items—to create an absurd yet heartfelt world.
From Skepticism to Enthusiasm
The reviewer, who typically finds musicals tedious, was initially reluctant but soon captivated. He describes the show as 'wildly impressive' and notes that he went from counting minutes to being devastated when the 80-minute performance ended without an interval. The audience howled with laughter and were visibly moved, with tears of laughter turning into genuine emotion.
A Story of Self-Discovery Beneath the Filth
Beyond the shock value, Hole tells a beautiful story about two boys discovering themselves and the world beyond their narrow upbringing. The reviewer predicts the show will become one of the Edinburgh Fringe's hottest tickets and expresses hope that success never sands off its rough edges.
Practical Details
Hole runs at Soho Theatre until August 1, then moves to Underbelly Cowbarn at the Edinburgh Fringe from August 5 to 30.
