Rating: ★★★★★

Running Dates: Saturday 31st August - Sunday 1st September

Where to see it: Alma Tavern & Theatre, Bristol

Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Keywords: Monologue, Self-Exploration

Review

It was compelling, gritty and shocking at times. I did not know what to expect from this piece and I left with a lot to think about.

Ryan is 19, has just arrived in London and works for Deliveroo. Not as successful as his brother, or this is how Ryan describes himself, he portrays the new city as a whirlwind of work shifts, catching the tube, occasional sex on Grindr, bank overdraft reminders and, most importantly, trying to fit in at all costs.

Zach Hawkins, interpreting Ryan, takes us on to a journey of self-exploration, which is made of plenty of tribulation. It is a fast and impressive monologue, graphic to the point that the audience can visualise every scene and be taken to parties in London, Christmas back at home, encounters in Vauxhall and, at the end, a new Ryan altogether. “The only person who can keep you safe is yourself,” Ryan concludes at one point, and that is when he decides that he will not be defined by the London whirlwind - he can be something despite his past and he can build his life from where he is now.

The setting of the Alma Tavern & Theatre is perfect for this face-to-face piece as Zach uses his abundant talent to engage with the audience, looking at each and every one of us as he speaks the story. Not much is needed to put his act together - just a few chairs and a couple of changes of clothes.

Important themes are brought to life in this play: bisexuality and struggling to find one’s place in the LGBTQ+ community, the objectification of bodies and wealth in said community and outside of it, mental health issues and the lack of support system at home and outside of it. Some of these themes are only briefly touched upon and the audience is left to wonder at times, without having the time to explore the subject - I do feel that this was ultimately the aim of the play. To leave you something that is not complete, for one to put together and think about while leaving the seat of the theatre.

It was compelling, gritty and shocking at times. I did not know what to expect from this piece and I left with a lot to think about. Stephen Leach’s great writing and directing was masterfully interpreted by Zach Hawkins.

The play will reach you in Winchester, Birmingham, Bradford, Brighton, Liverpool, Penzance, St Austell, Helston, Manchester, Newport and London from the end of September through to the beginning of November, so do not miss it!

Standout Moment: The acting crescendo during the main turning point of the story - Zach is extremely talented in dragging you into the soul of the character and their feelings.

See if: You love independent theatre and exploring independent venues such as the Alma Tavern & Theatre in Bristol.

Last Impression: The people surrounding us are a big part of what we are singularly - the main character is living what it means to look for that part of our identity and the consequences of desperately trying to fit in.

To get tickets for the show click here

We were kindly gifted these tickets in exchange for a review.

Written by Angela Masella

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