Bottom by Willy Hudson

Ryan Stewart conveys the oh-so-relatable highs and lows of queer dating life as Willy Hudson in the hilarious new show, Bottom by Willy Hudson, directed by Gavin Roach. Now on-stage at Melbourne’s favourite kitsch venue, The Butterfly Club, this is the show for anyone who hates making the first move; for anyone who thinks they’re unworthy of love and affection; and for anyone who dreads the anxiety-inducing panic of waiting for a text from someone they are into.

We first meet Willy in the bathroom of his eight-bedroom apartment in London. Willy stares at the mirror and then at his “willy”, unsuccessfully summoning the zeal and courage to harden-up and do the deed. Coming to the sobering conclusion that he can’t “top” his date, the tragedy of a third-date bust-up looms. In the final moments of seeking mercy, Willy remembers his love for Beyoncé (his queen) and ‘Drunk in Love’ ruminates in his head – and the room at The Butterfly Club. Can he save the third date?

Threads of Willy’s life are weaved as the third date plays out. We learn of Willy’s coming-out story; his move to London and working four semi-dodgy jobs; being ripped off by his self-proclaimed fag-hag manager; his watermelon tattoo in honour of Bey; and ultimately, his quest for love. Willy finds the experience daunting and is unable to escape the plaguing question: are you a “top” or a “bottom”? As he navigates life, he questions whether being a bottom in the bedroom means being a bottom in life.

As part of the 2021 Midsumma Festival line-up, Bottom by Willy Hudson examines the hook-up/hang-out/husband-hunting culture of modern-day dating that befalls us all, and then dives into the nuances of navigating dating apps as a queer man. Performing in his tighty-whities, Stewart takes a little time to get going but once the story unfolds, he is revealed to be a class act and master storyteller.

Bottom by Willy Hudson is a brave, refreshing and highly entertaining piece of theatre that makes us all question our past dating experiences.

Bottom by Willy Hudson
The Butterfly Club, Carson Place, off Little Collins Street, Melbourne, 3000
Till Saturday 24 April 2021
thebutterflyclub.com/show/bottom-by-willy-hudson