Speaking about where the idea for the show came from, writer/director McMahon said that much of both his and his collaborator’s previous works are “concerned with queer themes”. This piece of dance theatre doesn’t claim to be anything other than what the audience makes of it, representing a multifaceted scene that is often subject to a limited number of defining characteristics. Rather than presenting an explosive documentary-style exposé or factual synopsis of what the chemsex scene in Ireland is, Party Scene by choreographer Philip Connaughton and writer/director Phillip McMahon explores the emotional experience of this somewhat underground scene, ranging from ecstasy to loneliness. Brian Dillon spoke to the queer creatives looking at the scene head-on in a potent new show Party Scene. Naturally, a scene involving drugs and sex will provoke certain perceptions to those who don’t partake, but there is more to it than an easy judgement would suggest.

Chemsex, also referred to as the After Party scene, has inspired many a conversation amongst the queer community.