Warm, witty and infectious
The Wildcat of Sheffield is definitely what she says on the tin. Directed by Kelly Hunter, this immersive monologue takes on a story of life, love and loss.
In the pre-set the audience are serenaded into the show by a live musician with a full tech set up – the musical backdrop for the whole show. Wildcat sits – an obvious wig, a bright ‘old lady’ outfit and an expression of hatred for what we soon find out is ‘dust’.
The show creatively weaves audience interaction throughout what could be an intensively long monologue, but by utilising Josh’s effervescent charm the immersive moments smoothly puncture the building tension creating a buoyant through line.
Joshua Welch is Wildcat, effortlessly waltzing through past and present stories with a foul mouth and tea. Almost immediately inviting the whole audience to the stage to grab a cuppa and then kidnapping an audience member to be an unwitting participant. Joshua really shines in these moments but it does sometimes highlight the shift between true responding and the more premeditated storytelling.
As glorious as it is to have a live musician reacting with the piece, the juxtaposition of the set up feels a little underthought. Wildcat’s world is one we want to be part of but simultaneously we are reminded that it isn’t real.
I’d love to see a fully realised world with Joshua more free to work more organically within the prescribed text.
To sum up – Wildcat is an immersive, engaging and heart rending show with a core of gold and its run at Riverside will give it room to grow.