Staged in The Court Hotel’s back beer garden, “Tomas Clifford Got Stood Up” as part of FRINGE WORLD 2025.

Not the inciting incident per se, the actual location of which was never disclosed during the performance, but instead the eponymous creator’s cabaret, based on that original event. From the very first, Clifford’s lyricism, musicality, strength of voice, and to be perfectly honest, youthful chutzpah, absolutely shone through. The speed of jokes, wordplay, and studied cadences within his songs, as well as his relaxed storytelling in the spaces between, quickly drew the audience into his confidences, and, as Tommy’s tale gained momentum, those watching subsequently and viscerally came along for the ride.

The tale of an effeminate child, out of kilter with the other boys, who tap-danced in the industrial suburbs, and leant heavily into his queerness as high school progressed. Only to be confronted with the dating apps, the ‘not even an attempt to pretend to date’ apps, the misogyny, performative masculinity, and the internalised homophobia of the adult scene. Clifford was ably assisted by a live ensemble of band and backing singers, with great chemistry and comfort easily seen between them all. The efficiency of the staging meant the performers had a great deal of space to play with, even while Clifford remained the focal point, constantly on the move, as he roamed front to back, side to side.

The original songs, the arrangements, and the lyrics were all fantastic. Clifford’s background and ongoing education in composition and musical theatre were very readily apparent. Every performer on stage looked like they had a ball, and this opening-night audience reciprocated with a well-deserved standing ovation. The staggering self-awareness, fervent self-belief, and blazing confidence Tomas had in himself was a glorious sight to behold, likely putting many others many years his senior well in the shade. The fact this very nearly pitch-perfect performance was his FRINGE WORLD debut was downright astonishing.

Whomever stood Tomas up to inspire both this piece and to feed his artistic drive, thank you. The world as it stands right now, in January 2025, needs more of Tomas Clifford, and he is definitely an entertainer to keep close tabs on into the future.