ONE IN A MILLION Touring till 29 April

Tour

ONE IN A MILLION
by Damiel Jamieson

Theatre Alibi Tour to 29 April 2004
Runs 1hr 20min No interval
Review Hazel Brown 20 February at Phoenix Arts Centre, Exeter

An evening of theatrical charm and whimsy, not to be missed.Once again, Theatre Alibi weaves a wonderful, whimsical story that can only exist in the medium of theatre. Taking strands of an original, bittersweet love story, underscoring the silent parts of the action with brilliant, improvised double bass playing, juxtaposing gritty reality with uplifting fantasy, Theatre Alibi create an evening of theatre that is an absolute joy.

The story concerns David, a busker who sings the cheesy love songs of the 30's and 40's, but hardly talks at all. He is introduced to us by observing gods' as the one in the million' of the title. These three comment on the story throughout, and these actors come onto stage as the many characters in the story. Tom Wainwright, complete with huge glasses, drooping shoulders and an angelic voice that is direct, with a slight catch, rather than operatic and over-trained, is wonderful as the outcast oddball. We meet him first as he sings on the street, undeterred by the people, crying baby and barking dog who pass by, drill up the road, throw up and steal his money all perfectly realised by the other three actors. David is mistaken for a bomber and is nearly arrested by the undercover policemen one of whom, Louise, apologises for the mistake and slowly love blooms. Jordan Whyte is splendid as the karaoke-loving policewoman, stuck in a boring marriage, who takes David to her heart.

The truth about who David is and why he sings gradually emerges and, although he is a very unusual individual, he does not lack courage and, of course, love conquers all. The versatile, box shaped set opens and closes to become shop fronts and windows and, in the frantic chase and shooting scene, a belfry with swinging bells and ricocheting bullets. The songs, from You Do Something to Me, Ain't Misbehavin' and The Way You Look Tonight to Enjoy Yourself, It's Later Than You Think are well chosen and the action is brilliantly accompanied by Aristazabal Hawkes on her double bass.

David: Tom Wainwright
Louise: Jordan Whyte
Conglebury: Craig Edwards
The Finger: Derek Frood
Double Bass: Aristazabal Hawkes

Director: Nikki Sved
Designer: Dominic Hooper
Composer/Musical Director: Thomas Johnson

2004-03-09 20:41:34