Finding Community Between the Pages: A Review of “Read Me” at Queertre

by Michael McKeon

This past Sunday South Jersey Theatre Critics (SJTC) was invited to review a new original show, by a new original theatre company, from a very new location. Normally I start my reviews by exclaiming about how great (or not so great) the show I just went to see was.  Sometimes I insist on detailing the beautiful architecture and elegant history of the theatres in which the performance is being held. Other times I jump straight into how remarkable the stage design is as soon as you walk through the entrance. This time, however, I’d love to highlight the incredible theatre company that made this show possible.  Each of these traditional elements was included in its own way throughout production, but that isn’t what made it stand out.  Queertre is a collective formed by Calum Lynn Dwyer, Trevor Telesz, and NJ native Syd Hymanson, after meeting at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow. Self-described as “A queer theatre company dedicated to celebrating queer joy and platforming marginalized voices. Founded in a wee Glasgow flat with nothing but $50 and a gay little dream, Queertre is the vehicle through which we tell our stories, aiming to spotlight under-represented perspectives and drive social change.” I must say after watching the production and taking a short time to speak with the playwrights/performers/designers (each member of this group was responsible for wearing many hats) the above statement could not have been clearer.

Queertre put on a thought provoking, hilariously vulnerable, 85-minute production of Read Me at Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. The performers also wrote, directed, and designed this show themselves, resulting in its run in both Scotland and England before coming to the Jersey Shore.  Read Me tells the story of 3 strangers who are trying to better understand themselves and find some form of community by joining a queer book club. Part of the playbill that got my attention was the recommended reading list on the back.  This included a comprehensive list of books targeted toward the queer community.   Some of these titles were discussed briefly in the show as they were the reading assigned at the book club, and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t trying to figure out which I wanted to start reading first.

The show was performed in a black box setting with minimal chairs, tables, and books fitting the space perfectly.  The audience was first introduced to Will (Calum Lynn Dwyer), He/They*, who was walking around interviewing audience members about their favorite books and penciling them down for his own interest later. Dwyer did this so smoothly that I wasn’t sure if it was part of the show or just him being his friendly self.   You do however understand the play was starting once the sarcastic, cerberean Ezra (Syd Hymanson), They/Them*, entered the scene.  Although Hymanson’s character is disabled they let no obstacle stop them from standing up for others in the community.  Hymanson’s passion and conviction were so real on stage, I felt like I was in the room with them, witnessing the conversation first hand. The final character joining the book club was Josh (Andrew Barrett), He/Him, who right away portrays the “token” straight guy, over masculine and out of his element. But still he showed up and we can see he is searching for something he desperately wants to understand.  Barrett’s portrayal of Josh was so dead on. Barrett excellently showed a wide range of emotions jumping from confusion, to anger, to desperation, to acceptance all through perfectly executed facial expressions, which is no easy feat. Our three strangers bicker a bit amongst themselves and all agree to the suggested title and come back next week to discuss. 

As the scene closes Will is left on the stage alone reading his book and a narration of his voice plays over a speaker as if we were hearing his thoughts. As this narration plays Nick Rizzo (Lighting/Sound Tech), He/Him, proves why he was the right man for this job.  The lights quickly dropped, causing Dwyer to seem like he was sitting in an old sepia photograph. This style of lighting and narration continued for each character hurdling their own obstacles. It was positively beautiful and forced the audience to comprehend the emotions being depicted.   The sound and lighting for this production were great! No notes, Mr. Rizzo!

The remaining scenes take place at the book club each week as their friendships both grow and strain.  Josh doesn’t exactly understand the challenge he is facing with his partner, but he wrestles with it throughout the show and looks to Will and Ezra for clarity.  This generates some interesting interaction between the three.  Ultimately, it brings out Ezra’s frustration and protective side causing them to lash out at Josh when his questions are misunderstood as attacks. That becomes countered by the scene where Will and Ezra are painting each other’s nails.  Dwyer and Hymanson’s chemistry is great in this scene, and they genuinely interact as friends making this so believable. Will’s kind, empathetic, patient nature helps Ezra understand why this book club was started to begin with.  To be a safe place for anyone who wants to better understand the queer community and those it encompasses.

Read Me is a hilariously, bittersweet dramedy.  It draws light to the fact that even in 2026 gender, sexual orientation, and standing up to social norms can be hard for anyone to understand and navigate.  As Ezra understandably says in anger to Josh “It is not my job to educate you!”  Will reminds us that it is our job to be bravely patient.  It is our job to be benevolently compassionate.  And it is our job to treat other humans with empathy and dignity.  I want to give a standing ovation and my personal congratulations to Dwyer, Hymanson and Telesz for phenomenal playwriting skills, commitment and hard work. I wish them nothing but success and I cannot wait to be invited to another production by this inspiring little theatre company.

Unfortunately, the USA run of this production has completed, but we encourage you to check out Queertre’s website for more information and future tour dates. https://www.queertre.co.uk