Synopsis

A cozy London flat in the 1980s, where laughter and longing mingle in the shadow of the AIDS crisis

Guy, a kind-hearted but unlucky-in-love gay man, hosts three gatherings in his London flat over the course of several years. Each party serves as a reunion for his circle of friends and a revelation of their complex relationships with the unseen character of Reg. As the evening unfolds, we meet John, the object of Guy’s unrequited love, who harbors his own secrets about Reg; Daniel, Reg’s grieving partner whose flamboyant exterior masks deep vulnerability; and Bernie and Benny, a couple whose relationship is tested by their connections to Reg.

Elyot’s poignant observations create a tragicomic portrait of gay life in 1980s London. The play’s structure of three parties allows for a nuanced exploration of how relationships evolve over time, while the specter of the AIDS crisis looms large over the characters’ lives. Through its examination of friendship, unrequited love, and the fear of loss, “My Night with Reg” offers a deeply human look at a community grappling with seismic changes, celebrating the humor and heartbreak of their shared experiences.