Sauna Boy, written and performed by Dan Ireland-Reeves, is a raw, electrifying one-man show that takes audiences on an intimate journey through the hidden world of gay saunas. Based on real-life experiences, this semi-autobiographical performance pulses with energy, humour, and moments of unexpected tenderness.

Ireland-Reeves is a commanding presence on stage, effortlessly shifting between humour and heartache as he recounts encounters, friendships, and the unspoken rules of an industry built on secrecy and desire. His writing is razor-sharp, filled with biting wit and emotional depth, making each anecdote feel lived-in and immediate.

Fresh from its acclaimed international tour—including a sell-out run at Melbourne's Midsumma Festival and the Oscar Wilde Award for Best Writing at the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival—Sauna Boy steams up The Warehouse Theatre with its unflinching storytelling. The production thrives on its simplicity, relying solely on Ireland-Reeves’ magnetic performance and evocative language to conjure the world of the sauna.

While Sauna Boy is certainly not for the faint-hearted—its frank discussions of sex, power, and survival push boundaries—it never feels gratuitous. Instead, it offers a compelling look at a subculture rarely explored with such nuance and honesty.

At 70 minutes with no interval, the show keeps a relentless pace, occasionally overwhelming in its intensity. But for those willing to step into its world, Sauna Boy is a gripping, provocative, and deeply human piece of theatre that lingers long after the final words are spoken.

Sauna Boy is on at The Warehouse Theatre until March 9.

**** Four stars