Daniel Kitson (the comedian and creator of this play) is a bona fide genius. An hour-long one-man show within a sparse, though clever, set may not be the ideal factors for complete audience empathy. However, the intelligence and off-kilter humour displayed by Kitson leaves the viewer constantly engaged and entertained.
It’s officially Henry’s last day at work. After two mysterious presents arrive, he sits at his desk in puzzlement and we learn of the village Henry lives in, and all its characters, past and present. The nature of Henry’s work was cataloguing compilation tapes, but new technology is taking its toll, the times-they-are-a-changing.
Kitson is remarkable in the way he moves around the set, constantly pacing in order for the surrounding audience to hear him. This is the only limitation to the show, by having the audience almost in a circle, at times one side always struggles to hear, especially when he doesn’t pause to appreciate the many laughs.
It is one minor negative to a host of positives. We are drawn into these village lives as Kitson talks in third person, and occasionally in first person to hilarious effect. The plot line is quite simply heart-warming, and the creator’s obvious literary skills provide the play with laugh after laugh.
You will not see a better theatre show this year. A bold statement perhaps, but the talent here fully justifies.
5/5
Phil Owens
