Grindr: The Opera is back in London, ready to take you on a wild journey through the gay dating world.

Directed by William Spencer, the play follows four men `whose lives are all intertwined through a series of hookups, with the Grindr app lurking ominously in the background like a big kinky devil.

Opening with a number that harkens back to the days of Manhunt, the lyrics are as upfront as it gets. The typical chat lines anyone who’s ever used Grindr will recognise are turned into catchy musical numbers that really get the audience in the mood. The vocal skills of the cast set the scene well. Christian Lunn, who takes on the role of Grindr itself, is certainly the vocal leader among the group. Sometimes though, the fast-paced vocals get a bit drowned out by the music. It’s a minor hiccup that doesn’t spoil the overall fun.

Grindr: The Opera fearlessly dives into all aspects of gay culture using four shall we say archetypical characters. You’ve got the closeted older man leading a double life, the rentboy and the couple, not to mention Grindr looming in the background with two of his minions. Using the four men from different walks of life widens the scope that the play can cover and takes you through the whole shebang – from tapping and meeting strangers to dealing with STIs and the aftermath of one-night stands.

It’s a no-holds-barred exploration that gets you thinking about not just the hookup culture but the actual conversations gay men might have in their relationships and answers questions we are all dying to know; like what happens when a vers guy gets with a total top?

The cast does a bang-up job, bringing depth and authenticity to their characters. You’ll feel the highs, lows, and complexities of their experiences with Grindr, and if you’re someone who uses the app, you’ll certainly recognise a part of yourself on stage.

Bottom line, Grindr: The Opera is an entertaining and thought-provoking show. It shines a light on gay culture with witty lyrics, captivating performances, and a narrative that strikes a balance between humor and introspection. Whether you’re LGBTQ+ or just curious about modern relationships, this is one theatrical experience you won’t want to miss.

Running from 25th May to 8th July at the Union Theatre, get your hands on tickets here