How can you not love a
play that invites everyone in the audience to make and throw a paper aeroplane?
At the heart of the
one-man show I Could’ve Been Better is gentle audience interaction. But don’t
worry, it’s not the kind of toe-curling, sing-a-long participation of some
shows, it’s simply a few discrete nods or murmurs from a selected few. But, as
production company Idiot Child spells out in the programme, it is intended to
keep the audience central to the work.
This one-hour show is
the funny, thought-provoking and gentle tale of James (performed by co-writer
Jimmy Whiteaker): a 30-year-old man who is stuck in a boring job as a railway
announcer, but who livens the tedium up with almost Billy Liar-esque
imagination. Interspersed with autobiographical stories about his unusual love
life with the unseen Sue, James also harbours a lifelong desire to become a
champion swimmer – a dream fuelled by his long-running pen pal friendship with
Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew.
If only it weren’t for
his 11-year-old swimming pool nemesis, perhaps James would have been better at
swimming? If only it weren’t for the school bullies, perhaps James would be
something better than a railway announcer? If only…
I Could’ve Been Better
is performed beautifully by Whiteaker, who completely convinces as luckless
James. At times the structure seems a little clunky (for instance, I thought
the relaxation technique segment went on too long before the punchlines
started), but overall I Could’ve Been Better is a pleasure and a treat. The
audience is left with the impression that Jimmy, co-writer and director Anna
Harpin have really put their hearts and souls into this production, and the
result is delightful.
The performance is in
Bristol Old Vic’s Studio from October 3-6, and returns from October 9-13. Clickhere for more information and to buy tickets.
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