Beautiful Thing

Ste and Jamie, two teenage boys, are neighbors on a South London estate. Jamie is more knowledgeable about The Sound of Music than football, while Ste never misses a sports day. They both face bullying, with Jamie being bullied at school and Ste being abused by his violent father and brother. One night, Ste seeks refuge in Jamie's flat and they strike up a new relationship. Together, they explore their sexuality and feelings, with the help of Mama Cass's loving, rebellious friend Leah and Jamie's lioness mother, Sandra. Thirty years after its initial publication, Jonathan Harvey's iconic story remains relevant with themes of community, friendship, rites of passage, and what it means to be sixteen and in love. This edition is published in conjunction with the revival of the play at London's Stratford East theatre in September 2023.

Format: Paperback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 05 September 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing (UK)

Teenage boys Ste and Jamie reside on a South London estate, where their lives take contrasting paths. Jamie, with his extensive knowledge of The Sound of Music, surpasses Ste's interest in football. Despite facing bullying at school and at home, Ste remains resilient, never missing a sports day. One night, seeking solace, Ste finds refuge in Jamie's apartment, sharing a bed and forming a new bond. Together, they navigate their sexuality, with the support of Mama Cass's loving friend Leah and Jamie's strong-willed mother, Sandra. Spanning three decades since its initial publication, Jonathan Harvey's iconic tale of coming out and coming of age continues to resonate deeply with themes of community, friendship, rites of passage, and the profound experience of being sixteen and in love. This edition, timed to coincide with the revival of the play at London's Stratford East Theatre in September 2023, ensures that Ste and Jamie's story continues to touch hearts and inspire conversations for generations to come.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350448711