One Way Mirror is a highly original, exciting, introspective and funny piece of art which defies classification
Contrary to popular belief, one-way mirrors don’t actually reflect differently from the front and the rear; what matters is how well-lit each side is – the bright side is reflective, and the dim side transparent. Similarly, there is more to Jonathan Oldfield’s One Way Mirror than first appears, as he magpies some of the best parts of drama, stand-up comedy and improvisational theatre to produce a show that is equal parts authentic, profound, and genuinely hilarious.
The bizarre real-life experience of living with a one-way mirror in your living room (and a shower in the kitchen!) drives the show’s narrative, with Jonathan looking out into the world without being observed himself – a “people-watcher’s paradise”. Tackling the ethical dilemma of whether to let people know he can see them, he resolves never to intervene – to be David Attenborough, not Stacey Dooley. The show’s momentum comes from considering three key ‘moments’ where this resolve is tested, encouraging the audience to question his hands-off approach’s morality.
It’s a captivating thought-experiment that adds real depth to the show’s anecdotes. Oldfield is a consummate storyteller, and his adept comic timing and relatable outlook on life place the audience in the palm of his hand. Some issues with the script (the show is in development, after all) are handled with equal parts self-assurance and deprecation, embellishing the performance’s authentic, spontaneous feel. Both Oldfield and One Way Mirror are wonderfully unpolished and yet charming: a joy to spend an hour with.
A key theme is the difference between ‘the watcher’ and ‘the watched’, with One Way Mirror joyfully blurring the line between audience and performer. This is the most natural and comfortable I’ve ever seen audience participation, and Oldfield cultivates a real positive energy in the room throughout. The audience votes on the outcome of each ‘moment’ – to intervene or not to intervene – in a way which meaningfully affects the play’s conclusion, and individual audience members can also volunteer to play a more important role and help tell the stories themselves.
It is this profound impact the audience can have on the show that is most interesting, and a fully-improvised climax in tandem with an audience member comes together beautifully. Oldfield’s spontaneity is exciting and energetic, and you know you are in safe but unpredictable hands throughout. It takes a highly confident performer to leave so much up to chance, but Oldfield achieves this brilliantly.
One Way Mirror is a highly original, exciting, introspective and funny piece of art which defies classification. It was a true joy to be a part of, and a must-see for fans of the intersection between comedy and theatre. One Way Mirror plays at the Brighton Fringe later this year. You can read A Young(ish) Perspective in Conversation with Jonathan Oldfield about the show here.