A masterclass in solo performance: an evening of hilarity with Guildfordian, Steve Porters
The audience enter the world of Steve Porters, with a blank stage; only a chair, and a table can be seen. On the table are the essentials for the male identifying population: Lynx Africa, Blue WKD, condoms etc.
Enter Daisy Doris May, writer and performer of How To Flirt: The Ted XXX-mas Edition. May has created an entirely accurate and hilarious character – Steve Porters – as he takes us through his tips on how to flirt, for the next hour.
The character creation was delightful. Steve, from Guildford, has been on a journey with the ladies, he’s been listening, learning and loving… As a woman, I have definitely interacted with men like Steve, and this made the performance all the more enjoyable. I think the male identifying member of the audience felt seen and could see parts of themselves in Steve, which is always satisfying to observe in a theatrical context. Whilst many of the female identifying audience members have inevitably came across a Steve Porters more than once in their lives, and this is equally as satisfying and entertaining.
He incorrectly believes he has nailed the ways of flirting, and tries out his technique on some audience members, which led to hilarious interactions when his technique inevitably didn’t go to plan.
There were moments of call and response, and the audience were more than happy to get involved, which is a testament to May. Their control of the audience, and the way they manage to get us on their side from the moment they entered the space was tremendous.
This was a fantastic example of leaving the audience wanting more. We got a taster of Steve’s life, and I could have watched Daisy Doris May for another hour, as the character was superbly well observed and lived in. How to Flirt is a masterclass in solo performance!