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TARDIS Guide

Review of Rhys and Ianto’s Excellent Barbecue by taraoftraken

24 May 2025

One of the best Torchwood stories ever.

Tim Foley is at his absolute best when writing character drama! This story in particular reminded me of his play Driftwood – a two-hander between a pair of brothers dealing with grief and childhood trauma. The stories are similar in that they use a single location and an element of surrealism to expose and work through the emotions and griefs of the main characters. And both of them made me cry – in this one, it was Rhys talking to Deirdre using her son's voice, and absolutely brilliant and awful scene; and then Rhys and Ianto talking about Rhys old mate Dav, who committed suicide. The entire play is a perfect blend of sci-fi weirdness, humour, and emotion; but those two scenes shone.

An instant favourite. Soft and heartbreaking. The day is saved by hugging it out. PERFECT!


taraoftraken

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