Today we recommend the last night of Licence. It sounds fantastically acted, captivating, and a little bit interactive we suspect. Whilst part of me fears the idea of one-actor plays, the reviews sound a little bit gushing and epic, and I'm looking forward to seeing it.
"It’s rare, during the interval, for all the audience to get to the theatre bar first. But for Brighton audiences, a dream might be about to come true. During performances of “Licence” the in-house barstaff will appear to serve beer, spritzers, comedy and tragedy all in generous non-regulation measures as you witness the end-days of “the establishment.”"
Yes, well - the intro's not all the clear but the blurb suggests it'll be brilliant. Althouh that's a characteristic of 'blurb', small plays in Brighton can be absolutely fantastic and this one sounds quirky in the best way. I'm planning to see it tonight, so excuse the c&p-ing, it's to avoid to making any false assumptions about what you can expect:
“Licence” is the latest one-person theatre piece from local writer and performer, Jonathan Brown. ‘Set in Brighton, “Licence” starts out the gripping tale of the last days of a “hostel”, as told by Bernie whose drive, to shift units, and to be popular with his regulars severely undermines his intimacy with his son and his own inner world,' Brown describes.
'Indeed it’s the perfect distraction, enabling him to submerge ancient, forgotten and forbidden feelings. Through an emerging subplot, that carries subtle undertones of unrealised sexuality, we see how a terror of emotionality, can drive a man away from his feelings, and into whatever "industry" will happily help him bury them. I call it one man’s Odyssey, to save his son and his own sanity from the sinister forces he’s exposed them both to!’
“Licence” is Jonathan’s fourth successful one-person show. His previous trilogy ‘The Father Monologues’ is also set in Brighton and earned him a Best Male Performer Award nomination at the Brighton Fringe in 2007. Brighton-born, Jonathan enjoys the autonomy of one-person plays, and is often told by audience members “I remember your show as though there were many more than one performer.” But he’s branching out for his next play, which is written for more than one. Set in Victorian East Brighton, it’s the story of the digging of the world’s deepest hand-dug well (at 1300ft, deeper than the Empire State Building is high.) Meanwhile, during Licence, it’s not water that’s welling up fast. But sweat, blood and tears!"
"Outstanding… a consummate actor… held the audience single-handedly in awe with his amazing multi-characterisations… Impeccably acted, completely convincing, extremely amusing, profoundly sad. Every nuance examined with finesse & intelligence. I cannot praise (it) enough. From the evident skill as an actor to the profundity & humour of his writing. A huge talent." Ian Reuben (Journalist)
"A huge writing and acting talent." (Nick Stockman, Brighton Fringe Manager).
Contains strong language. Suitable for 12+ yr olds.
Cost: £7 concessions, £9 adult - a 2-for-1 deal is running tonight, horray!
Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm
Location: Brighton Town hall
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