‘Human beings are simply receivers and transmitters of stories’ is the engaging thesis of this new piece from well-liked solo writer/performer Ben Moor. His gentle message is one that we could certainly do with hearing repeated: we are all connected and stories – those we tell ourselves, those we tell others – are what make up our lives.
The drawback is that Moor’s writing can at times feel like something of an onslaught of whimsy, as effortfully quirky turns of phrase tilt life as we know it at a slight angle. His words are at their best when they stop trying quite so hard and instead lead us nimbly through this appealingly unassuming but lightly surreal tale of marriage breakup (‘I put all my energies into lethargy’) and focus rediscovered, via a chance encounter with a stranger on a train.
Erica Whyman, Deputy Artistic Director of the RSC, directs with a minimum of fuss, leaving the majority of the movement to Moor’s quirky, animated face. I'm not convinced by a child’s imaginary non-friend of a sarcastic Belgian accountant, but the flummox, a ‘very confused bird’, sounded much more pleasing.
Sun Mar 9, Southwark Playhouse; Thu 13 Mar, Canal Cafe Theatre; Sun Mar 16, Arcola Theatre (showandtelluk.com)
