Following the success of his debut show BI-TOPIA , writer and performer Sam Danson is delighted to be bringing his new play Daddy’s First Gay Date – a brand new rom-com tackling serious issues – directed by renowned LGBTQ+ advocate Rikki Beadle-Blair to Seven Dials Playhouse from 28th October – 16th November 2025.

Daddy’s First Gay Date is a sharply comic and emotionally honest exploration of how queer men are shaped by expectations – the outside pressures to conform to stereotypical masculine ideals, and the inner voices of doubt, and repression that make it harder to embrace who you really are.

It’s a romantic comedy that tackles themes often absent from the genre, including bisexuality, internalised shame, mental health, and the messy business of trying to become the man you actually want to be, rather than the one you think you should be.

In Daddy’s First Gay Date we meet Ben, a man in his early 30s who, we join during one of the most eventful nights of his life – just as he builds up the courage to admit that he is questioning his sexuality and because of this, to end his heterosexual 15-year relationship; he finds out he’s about to become a father. 

In for a penny, in for a pound, that same night, having bid a tearful goodbye to his ex-girlfriend,  he embarks on his first-ever sexual encounter with a man. 

The story follows Ben as he navigates the push and pull with Tim –  a British-Jamaican man from London who finds himself in the same small northern town – veering between attraction, fear and curiosity as he stumbles through the complicated and unfamiliar rules of queer dating while carrying the new weight of impending fatherhood.

Daddy’s First Gay Date has such a brilliant, cheeky title. What’s the story behind it — and what first sparked the idea for this play?

The title sells everything about what the show is; a comedy theatre show about queer dating, it’s ridiculously silly but I like it! 
The idea for the play came from hearing stories about queer dating as well as living my own experiences, I realised it’s such an untapped well of highs and lows that don’t get discussed enough, especially with the further themes we go on to explore such as queer parents & coming out later in life.

The show follows a man about to become a dad going on his first-ever date with a man. What drew you to that moment -when life and identity both feel on the edge of something new?

I think it throws the character straight in at the deep end and that chaos brings with it strong narrative twists and chaotic choices! I wanted to explore beyond just the typical dating scene, allowing audiences to see a story that doesn’t get told very often. 

You’ve reunited with Rikki Beadle-Blair as director. What’s special about your creative partnership, and how does he help bring out your boldest work?

Rikki completely understands what I’m trying to do with my writing, and is a perfect addition to challenge me and get the very best out of the work. As someone who’s written and directed so many plays, he’s an inspiration and someone I can always look to for advice at any stage of the project.

You’re known for mixing humour with heartbreak. How do you find the comedy in shame, awkwardness and longing without losing their emotional truth?

There’s always comedy in even the darkest of moments and it’s about finding that in an authentic way that is an addition to the more serious themes rather than undermining them. For me comedy is a great way of providing that light and shade in a story, allowing the audience to engage with the play on multiple levels.

The play’s set in the North of England — far from the London queer bubble. What does that setting allow you to say about connection, class and visibility?

Queer life is very different in small northern towns than it is in Manchester or London, there’s far less people, which means it’s easier to feel isolated, or out of place for being different. I wanted to set a story in the town I grew up because it’s close to my heart, but also a place I really felt uncomfortable at times. 

Daddy’s First Gay Date lands in a moment when conversations around masculinity and queerness are shifting fast. How do you see your work fitting into that change?

It’s about showing the narrative of unique stories, and making them as authentic as possible, this means the audiences affected by the themes, can feel truly represented and seen. I’d like to think this show shines a spotlight on the challenges facing LGBTQ+ people coming out at a later age, and those who have struggled with various levels of shame or lack of acceptance either from outside of the queer community or within it.

You’ve spoken before about the “invisibility” of bi men in queer spaces. How has that shaped your voice as a writer and performer?

It’s important to tell more bisexual stories, because there really aren’t enough of them around. The same is true for other sexualities & backgrounds too, but as bisexuality is my lived experience, it feels I can authentically explore that more. In this show we are also exploring working class life, racism & parenthood, which are other themes not often represented, certainly not within the same story. 

Do you ever feel pressure to “prove” your bisexuality — and how do you push back against that expectation?

I used to; it was often scary getting into a relationship because I felt like my sexuality disappeared. Now I don’t feel like that though, it’s important to realise that your sexuality is yours, and there’s not an exam or a series of tests you need to do to prove it. 

What’s the most surprising or moving response you’ve had from audiences — either from BI-TOPIA or Daddy’s First Gay Date?

It’s just really nice when people resonate with the work, regardless of if they’re similar to the characters portrayed or not, having people relate to the work you’re making is a massive compliment. I also love how with Daddy’s First Gay Date, people are very invested in what happens next in the story. If people’s minds are getting carried away with what happens to these characters beyond the play, it’s a great sign.

Finally, what do you hope people carry home after seeing the show — especially those who might still be figuring out who they are, or where they belong?

The show celebrates connection and togetherness. Ultimately, that connection between people is more important than being right or wrong in a given situation.

 

Daddy’s First Gay Date is at the Seven Dials Playhouse from 28th October to 16th November 2025. For tickets and more information, visit: https://www.sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk/shows/daddys-first-gay-date