The Hidden Review: Bonding - Theatre Review

 

The THR has watched a one-man show called 'Bonding', written and performed by Cyril Blake at The Hen & Chickens Theatre, which played three nights as part of the Camden Fringe.

Blake plays Stephen Lewis, a self-confessed 'struggling' actor who loves James Bond; a love which he has inherited from his dad.

It is a beautifully told story that deals with the special moments and sometimes challenging bond within the relationship between dads and sons.

Blake's character talks to the audience in an energetic and often humorous manner, and asks the audience questions about their knowledge of the Bond franchise with great banter and rapport.

Throughout the play, there are references to James Bond's character, and even if one isn't a fan, it enthuses and enlightens.

The part when he recounts going to see the Bond films with his dad after his mother's death is touching as he pretends there's 'something in his eye' as he doesn't want to show he's emotional, but when he recounts that his dad has recently died and breaks down in tears, it's  very moving and packs a powerful punch.

Moreover, Blake holds the audience in the palm of his hand, dealing with themes that are difficult to perform as he touches on misogyny and the current climate of the 'Me Too' movement.

At the same time, he explores the importance of bringing Bond into the present era while managing to keep the pace flowing and interesting and not falling into caricature, but always playing the role with much charisma and charm whilst wearing his smart tuxedo suit.

On the opening night of the show it's remarkable  the way Blake deals with the noisy air con by breaking out to switch it off, showing  his confidence with the audience and the piece itself.

Overall, for any Bond film fans, this piece of theatre is a brilliant homage to the franchise while exploring the bonding between dads and sons, which is dealt with humour and profound humanity.

Hidden Fire stars 9/10 ⭐️

Review written by Tino Orsini

© 2023 The Hidden Review

The Hidden Review: After all these years - Theatre Review

THR has watched After All These Years at The Jermyn Street Theatre. The play, written by Giles Cole, won the Outstanding Theatre Award at The Brighton Fringe.

All These Years is a play divided into three acts and tells the story of relationships between two couples, now residing in a seaside town, as they reminisce over their lives and friendships over the years.

Moreover, starring four seasoned actors, Jeffery Holland (best known from TV’s ‘Hi-De-Hi’), Judy Buxton, Carol Ball, and Graham Poutney (who also directs), all at the top of their games and very much at home on stage.

Throughout the play, the characters had known each other for quite some time and were all in show business at one point.

Act 1 reflects on the two male friends, Alfred and Charlie, in a local pub and shows a fantastic bond between them as they banter about their lives and the woes of getting older.

Then the following acts play out with the two women, taking place in one of their homes after a swift set change, culminating in Act 3 two years later.

Furthermore, the dialogue is witty and sparkles as the characters look back over their lives and wonder whether they took the right decisions and risks to get where they are now.

The writing is very clever as it never goes into pastiche which keeps high audience engagement and anticipates what will happen next as secrets and revelations reveal themselves while changing the dynamics of their friendships for good.

Jeffrey Holland is outstanding as Alfred, as he plays out with great comic timing the despair of memory loss, and by the third Act, suffers a stroke, a delicate and moving performance.

At the same time, Judy Buxton gives a stunning performance by having hilarious lines and plays the dramatic tension with great intelligence.
Carol Ball's performance is terrific, and her revelation is touching and sensitive.
Furthermore, Graham Poutney plays a significant role in acting and directing while playing the former ladies man with much humour.

Overall, this bittersweet comedy full of themes is about getting older, love, and regret as well as acknowledging that it's never too late to make changes.

Hidden Fire stars 8/10 ⭐️

Review written by Tino Orsini

© 2023 The Hidden Review