☆★★★★
Am I Happy
Yet?
Am I Happy
Yet? is a fast-paced, tightly observed one-man play, written and performed by
Scottish actor, Jack Hesketh. Originally performed as part of Six Plays One Day
by Threedumb Theatre at The Actors Centre earlier this year, it now arrives for
a short run at The Lion and Unicorn.
Autobiographical
in nature, Hesketh tells the story of an unnamed nineteen- year old as he grows
from a youthful, even optimistic adolescence to questionable adulthood. He
cleverly explores elements - football, guitar, saving money and sunflowers – all
of which create happiness in his younger development and are easily identified.
It is only when he reads about a nineteen-year-old man in a newspaper that he
begins to question his maturity and status as a man. At this point, the
pressures of life begin to weigh heavily and he questions whether he has missed
the notional door marked adulthood. This then becomes an exploration of his
depression as he questions his mental health.
Hesketh’s
writing is immediate, nuanced and clever. His romp through his younger life
is joyously experiential with some smart anecdotal moments, cleverly
orchestrated with ELO’s Mr Blue Skies. This is in sharp contrast to an
excellent soundscape by Dominic Beale that punctuated the darker scenarios of hopelessness.
Coral Tarran
has directed with incredible creative verve and has captured Hesketh’s
undoubted physicality as an actor - both exploring a fascinating light and
shade in this intriguing piece.
Hesketh is a
decidedly talented young actor and writer. I was recommended to see Am I Happy
Yet? by an experienced and seasoned reviewer who had seen Hesketh and his work
earlier. I must say, I was not disappointed and look forward to seeing where he
goes and what he does next – a decidedly exciting prospect!
Am I Happy
Yet? plays at The Lion and Unicorn Theatre until 6 March 2020.
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