Indescribably good. I genuinely cannot remember ever seeing a more electric or soulful performance. Ever.
I see a lot of really varied theatre because I love seeing different new creative ways of telling stories. I was grateful to have had the privilege to see Protest Song. Even a few hours out, my body is still experiencing ricochets of the impact of what I can only describe as one of the best acting performances I have ever seen.
Written by Tim Price, the script is flawless, weaving comedy, sadness, softness and rage, simply and easily throughout. The show describes one rough sleeper’s experience of the 2011 Occupy movement, and is a 70 minute monologue which races by. Price’s writing is dramatically paced and breaks up the lulls with song and fourth-wall breaks. In fact, the audience interaction is significant in the sense it challenges the audience to be part of the piece, to acknowledge the truth of the human performing and often is uncomfortable. Price also has a skill with writing a flawed character, some of the judgemental statements uttered are politically incorrect but feel necessary and instrumental in creating the depth of the character we are on a journey with.
David Nellist’s portrayal of Danny is a tour de force. I genuinely cannot remember ever seeing a more electric or soulful performance. Ever. From his spontaneous latecomer interactions, to moments with the crowd, to complete rage and joy, he never dropped the ball. The skill required to hold an audience for that long single handedly is not to be underrated and he does it with ease. If I didn’t know this was a fictional show you could have convinced me this was real. Director Sarah Bedi should also get a shout out, it truly takes a great director to get a show with so many highs and lows to flow so slickly.
The sparse nature of the Arcola Studio is a great space for this piece – illuminating the simple cardboard like set from Ruth Badila, which stands bare and bleak reminding you at all times that Danny doesn’t have a home he’s so desperate for.
There are so many things to love about this show, it’s political theatre at its best, bringing light to bleak circumstances but stuffing them with soul, filling you with feelings that make you want to change the world, it’s the kind of theatre I love the most.
Basically I think everyone should see this show. Stop reading and book your ticket. This is the show to see this Christmas. Showing at Arcola Theatre until the 6th Jan. Book tickets here.