I’m known for my aversion to monologues, but when I relent I rarely regret it, as is the case with this, though in all fairness it feels nothing like a monologue as it’s so animated and energetic, with an onstage musician / DJ.
Jack Holden’s play sees him as performer Jack manning an LGBTQ helpline. He’s new there and he introduces us to his colleagues and the Soho community, and tells us about his background, how he got there. On a shift alone, he gets a call from Michael and the balance of the play, except for a few brief returns to the switchboard, takes us into Michael’s life in the 80’s, when he and his partner are diagnosed with HIV and told their life expectancy is a maximum of four years.
Michael’s story becomes a microcosm of Soho during Aids as he propels himself around every conceivable location, introducing us to the area’s characters as well as telling us about his life. His partner dies, but he survives. It’s done with extraordinary pace and energy, as Holden climbs over Nik Corrall’s impressionistic set, with onstage musician / DJ John Patrick Elliott providing a soundtrack and soundscape, with Jack singing occasionally, evocative of the location and era. It’s spellbinding and mesmerising and holds you in its grip for 100 unbroken minutes.
Holden’s performance is a real tour de force, worth a visit for that alone, but the whole experience immerses you in the story, like the entire series of It’s A Sin played by one man, packing just as much of an emotional punch, looking back at the period and events from the time of another pandemic thirty-five years on.
A captivating show, brilliantly staged by Bronagh Lagan, which had me re-evaluating my prejudice against one person shows, again! Gold stars in abundance to Aria Entertainment for bringing this into the West End, twice.
Gareth's Culture and Travel Blog 
Leave a Reply