Writer: Tim Fraser
Director: Nico Rao Pimpare
Does love at first sight exist? It does for Will who, on seeing Candy perform with her band at a small gig, becomes completely and utterly entranced and infatuated with her. From that first moment, he can’t stop thinking or even dreaming about her.
The problem is that Candy is actually Billy, one of Will’s oldest friends, in drag.
Will (Michael Waller) is aware of this fact, but that doesn’t stop him from starting a self-destructive spiral as he tries to navigate his feelings for Candy, his very separate, and different, feelings towards Billy, and questioning who he really is.
Presented as a one-man-show, Waller vocalises his thoughts and deepest emotions from the moment he first sees Candy, back through his life from first meeting Billy up to the emotional roller-coaster he’s now on as he tries to comprehend his overwhelming feelings that are in stark contrast to his crystal-clear logic.
Candy is based on an original 15-minute comedic short play by writer Tim Fraser. As it has evolved into this one-hour production there is greater exploration into Will’s backstory and a deeper dive into his conflicting emotions around Candy, his identity, and his take on love. However, in doing this, the comedy has taken a back step. Whilst there are funny moments and some wonderfully witty asides, pathos has become the driving force.
Candy is a hugely evocative tale, brilliantly performed by Waller. His emotionally confused Will walks a razor-fine line between the confident Jack-the-lad he was and the distraught, frail, and frightened man he is now. It is captivating, edge-of-your-seat stuff.
Nico Rao Pimpare’s direction serves well, giving Waller the scope to express freely whilst keeping the narrative moving. This said the script feels a little too flabby for the running time. It meanders a bit, settling into some scenes too much and others, not enough. The wry comedy asides aimed directly at the audience deliver some laughs but at the expense of narrative flow. At its best, Candy leaves Will to wrestle with his internal conflicts.
Overall, Candy is hugely enjoyable and thought-provoking. If we keep our fingers crossed, this story will get what it really needs, a full-blown, two-act production with a full cast. There’s a powerful story being told, and it’s on the cusp of being told perfectly.
Runs until 9 September 2023
