Writer: Mark Wheeller
Director: Elliot Montgomery
I Love You, Mum – I Promise I Won’t Die tells the story of Daniel Spargo-Mabbs and his heartbreaking and entirely unnecessary death. However this isn’t quite a traditional play, and perhaps this is a good thing. For the most part, Dan is not present in the scenes that unfold which feels respectful. Instead, this play focuses on those who knew and loved him and the impact that this tragic event had on them. Mark Wheeller’s play is a verbatim play and knowing this really makes the play hit home and break your heart even more – every word is agonisingly true, and nothing has been dramatized. Wheeller manages to find moments of much needed energy, excitement and, at times, light humour – this juxtaposition makes every word of the play even more impactful.
Elliot Montgomery, who has directed the production, keeps the show moving quickly and it never dwells for too long on anything. The production, where all the actors play a huge number of characters, is impressively slick. The show did have to relocate to the Israac Centre from the Theatre Deli so this audience did miss out on some of the technical aspects, but regardless one could tell how impressive the creative team’s work was. Alex Colley incorporates video into the show beautifully and Christopher Bevan’s music and sound adds energy and intensity to the show where it’s needed. Matt Sykes-Hooban’s set design is simple but used effectively to show a variety of locations including an interview room, a house, a warehouse and a hospital.
The small cast of five are committed to the storytelling and give impactful performances. Amy Zoldan demonstrates incredible versatility as she glides from drama teacher to immature teenager to deeply in love girlfriend. Sean Radford gives a moving performance as Jack, Dan’s best friend, as well as Jacob, Dan’s brother. Cobie Scott-Ward shatters the audience’s hearts into a million pieces with her performance, particularly shining as Fiona, Dan’s mother. Alex Colley is fantastic as Tim, Dan’s father, and his chemistry with Radford and Scott-Ward is truly believable. David Chafer plays Mark, the writer of the play, with gravitas, authority and compassion. The first scenes depict the interviews Wheeller had with the people we meet in the play which is a fascinating way to frame the play, making it clear from the outset that it’s a verbatim play, but the character just leaves part way through with no explanation.
This play, which runs at around 90 minutes with no interval, is a love letter to Daniel Spargo-Mabbs. It makes the audience wish they could meet and get to know Dan. It is deeply moving, truly heartbreaking, and challenging as it touches on what we can do to help stop this happening to others.
Reviewed on 8th June 2023. Touring nationwide.
