Bottom is Willy Hudson’s debut solo show.

It’s about labels, queer sexuality, sexual anxiety and loneliness. It looks at how the early-mid-20s survive zero-hour contracts and fast paced lifestyles, while trying to maintain meaningful relationships once the hangover has worn off.

“And it has Beyoncé,” he reminds me. “It’s an understatement to say I am a very very big fan.”

The autobiographic piece from the former Oxford School of Drama pupil is based on his own experiences of moving from Oxford to London and navigating queer culture: “I moved around five years ago and lived a pretty hedonistic lifestyle,” Willy admits.

Oxford Mail:

“I worked about four jobs in order to fund it and was struggling with the identities within queer culture, and I how I fitted into that.

“Stereotypically a Top is seen as dominant, masculine and strong, and a Bottom as passive, feminine and weak. The show and its title work to uncover the misogyny and internalised homophobia rooted in these labels and how they are hugely problematic,” he explains.

Serious subject matter then? “Quite, so I wanted to make something that was entertaining and fun to watch, while also being truthful to the realities of surviving city life.

“One of the main themes of the show is the strength in vulnerability and emotional intimacy.”

Oxford Mail:

It sounds like Willy found it hard to adjust to this new, urban lifestyle? “I think it’s easy to get carried away with parties, work, dating apps and social media, that you have to fight hard to maintain truthful and deep relationships. There is so much distraction. I am not a ‘naturally’ confident person and the show documents a journey of finding strength in honesty and connection,” he explains.

The show opened at the Edinburgh Fringe last year, followed by a transfer to Soho Theatre, London, over Christmas: “The response so far has been really great. I think people have engaged with the narrative and investigation of a subject rarely seen on stage.

Read more about Rock Bottom, and its sex,drugs and rock and roll spiral

“I’ve had messages from people who have gone through similar experiences to me, and how the show has helped them understand and process that, which is the best feeling and makes it all worthwhile.”

“I’m also extremely excited to bring Bottom to Oxford. I went to drama school at The Oxford School of Drama and lived in the city a few years back. It’s a very special place for me and I’m thrilled to be coming back with a show.

“I hope people connect with a queer coming-of-age story there too. I hope they either feel less alone in their experience, or perhaps develop understanding of queer sexuality and culture.

“I also hope people have a good time – and leave as massive Beyoncé fans.

Bottom, March 15, BT Studio, 01865 305305 or oxfordplayhouse.com