I’ve Never Met Anyone Quite Like You

“Phenomenal” - ★★★★

Queer stories are finally being told at an increased rate. More films, tv shows and theatre are producing stories based on LGBTQ+ issues that are an essential lifeline for queer people to watch, be involved in, relate to, highlight issues the community faces, and provide a safe space where there otherwise may not be one. The Edinburgh Fringe has for many years now been a safe space for shows on a whole host of different cultures, and a place for the LGBTQ+ community to provide accessible productions for the mixing bowl of different people that make up our society.

The highlight of the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, for me and I’m certain many others, was ‘I’ve Never Met Anyone Quite Like You Before’. Written and starring David Scotland, the production is an autobiographical love letter to himself, a hauntingly relatable scramble covering the highs and lows of queer love in the modern world. The show works through a minefield of different perspectives of being gay; facing God, parents, grandparents, partners, workers. It is refreshingly honest and accessible, heartbreaking and funny; an engaging story of life, love, loss and happiness.

David Scotland is a force to be reckoned with. The knowledge of his art is unparalleled, showing an unforgiving understanding of writing, performance, drama and pacing. Filling the stage with a passion for storytelling and acting, I felt very small in my seat, unworthy of it almost. Scotland understands the importance of movement and carries it with a gravity that draws the audience in; I was in a trance from start to finish, magnetically drawn to his charismatic presence. The modern gay will be able to associate with much of the feelings Scotland expresses throughout the show, from a relationship with family members, food, and self-worth - for me, it was like looking in a mirror, reflecting painful truth after painful truth.

Talent is a theme briefly explored in the production. Whether talent is a positive or negative word, whether it’s formed from luck or circumstance, whatever it’s meaning or weight, one thing is for certain - David is oozing it. I cannot wait to see what is next in store for him and the career which I truly believe will be on an accelerated trajectory post-production.

Scotland’s controversial partner in the production, Art (played by the powerhouse Robert Strange), is the ‘second pancake’ relationship we have all had. He is the one we love the most, who hurts us the most and who we learn from the most. The queer community will be able to painfully relate to the character; brutally honest, deeply passionate with a strong grip on the disappointing realities of life. Strange plays the character perfectly, a challenging but reliable antagonist to Scotland.

Music is an essential part of the show. The production, named from the lyrics in the song ‘Temptation’ by New Order, pierces the audiences heart at several points with a soundtrack to exaggerate the underlying messages - well done to anyone who can get through ‘Best Day Of My Life’ without shedding a tear. The routine (performed incredibly by Scotland and Strange) that went to this song broke my heart and lifted my spirits in an oxymoronic burst of emotions.

Human, poignant, truthful and brave, ‘I’ve Never Met Anyone Quite Like You’ is one of the best queer stories I have ever had the honour of witnessing. My biggest (and only) disappointment is that I won’t be able to experience the show again tomorrow.

Congratulations to the entire production team on a phenomenal performance. It is a true work of art.

‘I’ve Never Met Anyone Quite Like You’

Written by David Scotland

Directed by Amy Allen

Co-starring Robert Strange

theSpace on the Mile - Venue 39

21st to 26th August 2023 - 8:45pm