Dear Ted | The Union Theatre

I would like to start with some statistics the host of Dear Ted, Millie O’Connell (Six, The Cher Show), stated in the opening for act two:

• Over 52% of young trans people have considered suicide due to their gender dysmorphia.
• The waiting list to get top half surgery via the NHS at the moment is four years
• Top half surgery and aftercare via a private clinic costs £9000
• It costs £50 per month for testosterone shots trans men will need for the rest of their lives.

I felt it appropriate to start off discussing Dear Ted with the above statistics because while it is easy to get swept away with the big West End names attached, these concerts were ultimately a fundraiser and celebration for one trans actor: Teddy Hinde (he/they). The money for each ticket went towards Teddy’s top half surgery, and the love radiated throughout both concerts from the performers and audience as it was revealed he would finally reach this milestone in his transition on August 10th.

What was it like to watch Dear Ted?

Both concerts of Dear Ted were a joy to watch both as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and (very) avid theatregoer. Intimately staged with suitcases and a haze machine, you felt at home as you watched the talent unfold onstage ranging from West End names to rising newcomers. Even the occasional technical difficulty (which mainly fell victim to the incomparable Natalie Paris who took it all with stride and humour) didn’t spoil the atmosphere, only adding to the down to earth vibes of the concert as each performer sang their hearts out.

What was the Dear Ted setlist like?

The setlist for Dear Ted was absolutely wonderful and reflected the diversity not just across musical genres, but also from the performers in identity and range. Whether it be Legally Blonde’s Isaac Hesketh (they/she) going from killing it with what should be the next big breakup anthem Cardboard Box to Disney Princess-esque Somewhere That’s Green or Freddie King’s hilarious solo version of Into The Woods’ Agony or both Grace Mouat (&Juliet, Six) and Maddison Bullyment’s (they/them) equally nostalgic renditions of When She Loved Me (which as hostess Millie pointed out should now be a gay anthem), there was at least one song that the audience could enjoy.

Were there any standouts?

Honestly? The whole event was a standout. Bringing such a talented group of performers together for a good cause made it impossible to pick certain moments because it kept me gripped all throughout. If you need to understand why it’s so difficult, here are just a few examples:

• Natalie Paris’ post-modern remix of Sam Smith’s I’m Not The Only One

• Maiya Quansah-Breed Almost There

• Billy Nevers’ soulful renditions of Waving Through A Window and John Legend’s Ordinary People

• Kayla Carter (they/she) gorgeous to the point of heavenly version of Louisa Johnson’s Forever Young

• Imogen Grover’s sweeping soprano during They Just Keep Moving The Line from Smash (a show I have never watched – a crime I know) and Sweeney Todd’s Green Finch & Linnet Bird

• Alex Young’s brash Everybody’s Girl and longing Anyone Can Whistle

Amongst the talent, there is one moment I have to bring up: Teddy Hinde’s rendition of Out There. I remember watching a video of Teddy singing same song during the height of the #NotAGimmick movement following Cameron Mackintosh’s controversial comments surrounding trans representation onstage (which is long overdue).

Hearing the passion in his voice singing each verse again only enhanced the song’s themes of a marginalised person wanting love and acceptance, which is exactly what both concerts were about. I couldn’t help but get tears in my eyes as the song crescendoed to its climax, ending the concert with a more than perfect finish that deserved its standing ovation.

What was the theatregoing experience like?

It was my first visit to the Union Theatre and I immediately felt the sense of community. While I visited alone and I’m more used to big West End stages, I love going to indie venues for more lowkey events if I need unwind after a busy week (which I certainly did during my birthday week). It was the perfect place to host Dear Ted as I could see from entering that it was a welcoming place for both LGBTQIA+ people and theatregoers.

With drinks pouring and the stars mingling with a mix of friends and audience members following the show, I’ll definitely be coming back here again.

What were my overall thoughts on Dear Ted?

This post shouldn’t be a review of Dear Ted, but more of a love letter. I was glad to witness the powers of musical theatre, love and community come together to help Teddy Hinde be their most authentic self and it’s definitely going to be one of my theatre highlights for this year.

Discover what else is coming to The Union Theatre here!

★★★★★