Testosterone is a semi-autobiographical play telling the story of Kit, a trans man’s, first visit to a male changing room. This scene broadens out, through a divine force introducing flashbacks, fanciful enacted questions and song and dance routines, into an interrogation of modern masculinity. What does it mean to be a man, and what does it mean to be a good one?

The central idea - of a play about masculinity, told through the eye of someone new to being a man - is a compelling one, and was executed well. The play darkens beyond the halfway point, introducing a Marlon-Brando style figure who explores the negative behaviours associated with masculinity, and going far beyond merely not crying unless at a sports match.

Beyond the conceit, there was a lot to love about this play. Kit Redstone is an incredibly likeable, charismatic central figure. His character’s straying into anti-hero territory is beautifully handled and he shows all the vulnerability and warmth that we need from the protagonist in an autobiographical show. Julian Spooner and Matthew Wells provide an excellently pitched parody of gym-bro behaviour, creating a thread of charming and hilarious physical comedy.

While some musical interludes worked excellently to break the tension on stage, some fell flat and they were all over-long. I liked the mix of earnest exploration of masculinity and more fanciful elements, silliness and song very much, but would have liked to see the ratio shift a little more in favour of straight monologues - those were the sections that really sung.

I was struck by how this play - about masculinity, and boasting an all-male cast - is incredibly respectful of women. A sequence on sexual assault is a breath of fresh air - finally questioning why men assault women rather than why women are assaulted.

In the post show talk, the men are asked about sexual abuse in the news. First it was Trump, they say, now it’s Weinstein… and soon it will be someone else. But, they say, “What do we do? Do we say, men are bad, we have to separate them from women? Or do we make our men better?”

This is intelligent, entertaining and important work.

Testosterone has a calm, inquiring approach to its subject matter, which facilitates the educational aspect of the piece with huge potential. It’s gentle and it’s full of love, and you get the feeling that it is truly a product of the writer Kit Redstone and the autobiographical central character ‘Kit’, who is both generous in mindset and performance.

The piece explores the nature of masculinity, from the starting point of a men’s changing room in a gym. As a trans man, Kit has an unusual perspective on this typically male environment; he is a newcomer, and must learn the rules. But how do the rules work around the individuals in the room? Are we made by the rules or do we make them?

As Kit moves around the changing room encountering issues and questions, Testosterone uses dream/nightmare sequences to delve into his past and his thoughts, which are choreographed with a very particular lyricism. It is mesmerising and beautiful, as well as being unexpectedly down-to-earth in the questions it is dealing with, which are approached with a brand of startling inclusivity which instils a connection without demanding it. It is moving and straightforward, universal and personal. It addresses Kit’s thoughts and daydreams with the same sense of wonder as his actual life events, leading to a trippy, off-the-wall effect which is exciting to be part of.

Although I saw it at the Endinburgh Fringe Festival, luckily enough, Testosterone is coming to Oxford! It should be a compulsory watch for everyone: this piece is accessible in the extreme, and the subject matter is so important. It is also a joy to watch and the central voice is one of strength and warmth – Kit Redstone deserves to be listened to. Catch Testosterone at The North Wall Arts centre in October.