There was much excitement at the New Diorama theatre last night, with Peruvian cocktails and food, it was press night for the winner of Jeezus! An earlier version of the show won the UNTAPPED Award (2025) and had a successful run at the Fringe. Upon collecting our tickets, we were advised that the run time was 69 minutes, which was a good indicator of what was to come!
Set in 1990's Peru, a brutal military coup ushers in a decade of dictatorship and fascism. Not a good place to be discovering your queerness. In the home of General José and his devoted wife María, altar boy Jesús prepares diligently for his first communion. But as the biggest day of his adolescent life approaches, the hot man on the cross makes him feel something… unholy.
The show evokes a whistlestop tour of Peruvian politics, Catholicism, Campness, and Masculinity, with songs and jokes. Be warned it is very, very smutty! The script is fast paced, full of innuendo and wit, but if you don't like silly jokes about anal, this is not the show for you.
Skilful direction puts the two actors (and a musician) through their paces, creating an atmosphere of gleeful, tightly choreographed chaos. The script and songs are pithy, clever, and very funny. Sergion Antonio Maggiolo is impressive as the doe-eyed innocent at the centre of the piece, whilst Guido Garcia Lueches displayed impeccable comic timing, covering numerous roles including big J himself, and at one point seamlessly interchanging between Jesus' mother and father mid conversation. The actors are supported by Tom Cagnoni who plays multiple instruments, covering a range of genres and joins in the fun. The production made the most of a small space with impressive set and light design that helped the action flow.
I did have a moment of feeling I had had enough dick jokes, and that the play mistook lust for love. However, there is a sweetness at the heart of this piece, and insightful moments into what growing up in that environment was like, which helps the show resonate. Definitely not one for the devoutly religious, but good fun for those who like a bit of silly bawdiness with their messaging,
The show is at New Diorama Theatre from 21 April – 9 May 2026
Review: Emma Foxall