![](https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/01/19/10/the-rolling-stone-play.jpg?crop=8:5,smart&quality=75&auto=webp&width=1024)
Chris Urch’s scorching play takes its name from a Kampala newspaper that, for a few months in 2010, exposed the identities of gay Ugandans and called for their execution. It probes what it’s like to live in a society where being outed can be fatal — and portrays an explosive clash between religious dogma, personal loyalties and the frenzy of a media witch-hunt.
The central figure is Dembe, a sparky 18-year-old. When we first see him he’s stargazing with his lover Sam, a mixed-race doctor from Northern Ireland. Dembe’s playfulness and flashes of youthful uncertainty are charming, but soon we recognise the threat they pose to the security of his family — as his brother Joe comes under intense scrutiny after taking over as pastor of their local church.
Ellen McDougall’s simple, lucid production boasts a memorably volatile performance from Fiston Barek as Dembe. Sule Rimi is excellent as Joe, especially when his preaching becomes fiery and militant, and Faith Omole has a striking gravity as their courageous sister Wummie. The key relationships are finely drawn by Urch, who writes with rare passion about the ugly politics of persecution — and about how far people are prepared to go for those they love.
Until February 20, Orange Tree, Richmond (020 8940 3633, orangetreetheatre.co.uk)
Latest theatre reviews
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2015/08/04/10/dearlupin0408a.jpg?crop=8:5,smart&quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout
Read More
MORE ABOUT