A wistful and whimsical dance through life

In a show that primarily deals with the trauma of providing end of life palliative care to a loved one, Ben Target manages to weave hysteric laughter throughout. This auto-biographical piece muses almost carelessly between themes of family, legacy, life and love whilst gently breaking our hearts before scooping us back up with a laugh. As he likes to keep lamenting, Target was a comedian once awarded best fringe newcomer after all.

The show takes places across multiple timelines with each beautifully woven together. One being Target’s childhood and connection to his silly and carefree adopted uncle Lorenzo, the Hong Kong fugitive and only adult with which he felt safe. Another is set during 2020, Target has moved in with Lorenzo to care for him since suffering a stroke. It is here we watch the two battling with Lorenzo’s failing body, which in turn drives a wedge between the once close relatives, family is who chose not who you’re born with. The final timeline is Target in present day, wrestling with the desire to share this story but also keep it light.

Tom Hartshorne’s set is stunning and adds yet another gleeful layer to the production. It’s many nooks and crannies forever delighting and overscoring what could be deeply upsetting moments.

This is a show that could have been bogged down in mire, yet instead is a celebration of what matters in life, the things you do, and the people you choose to surround yourself with.