Writer: Rob Ward
Director: Clive Judd
The MP, Aunty Mandy and Mehas been touring the country and as it approaches the end of its tours, it reaches Sheffield. The one man show tells the story of Dom (that’s his name, and only his name), a gay man living in a rural town who wants to become an Instagram influencer. He lands a job as a social media intern with the local MP, who also happens to be gay, and the play follows Dom as he learns more about his sexuality and eventually gets his heart broken.
The play, written and performed by Rob Ward, addresses some important and sensitive themes. The characters Ward has created are complex and relatable. Dom is very likeable protagonist, making his downfall very moving. Ward is a brilliant performer who holds the audience in the palm of his hand from the first second. He is completely captivating and gets to demonstrate his excellent comic timing, whilst performing the more emotionally charged and uncomfortable moments with a great level of intensity. He brings numerous characters to life fantastically and demonstrates his physical and vocal acting ability, although at times it can feel like he leans a little too much into stereotypes. This could have been intentional decision however to get across the point the events that unfold could happen to anyone. The play could have been made even more powerful if there had been some other performers involved, particularly in the role of the MP. However having one actor playing both Dom and his mother is incredibly impactful, especially when showing the effect that ‘Aunty Mandy’, a particular drug, has on people.
Will Monks’ lighting design is outstanding. Alongside the simple set design (that goes uncredited) and Iain Armstrong’s sound design, it creatively depicts many different locations. Despite having minimal set pieces, it is never confusing as to where the action is taking place. The sequence set in a nightclub adds a huge amount of energy to the production and the lighting and sound design really heightens the intensity and uncomfortable nature of some of the later scenes at the climax of the play.
The MP, Aunty Mandy and Meexpertly tackles some very important issues, especially around sexual misconduct in the workplace. One hopes that Rob Ward and his team will continue to expand and develop the play so this powerful story reaches many more audiences in the years to come.
Reviewed on 1st November 2022.