Samuel Barnett controls the stage and the audience within minutes of his entrance. A stand-up comedian from North England, (but not the North North) unashamedly gay, and at the age of thirty-six (nothing wrong with that) still playing the field with no intention of forming a serious relationship.
Until he meets the American, who is perfect in every way except that he never laughs. Turns out he has cataplexy which means that if he laughs he could die, or become paralysed. Hence he can sit through a performance, lead the clapping and even let out an American whistle or two – but with a serious face. This is a monumental problem for a man who thrives on the laughter of others. Like many comedians he has his share of insecurities, neuroses and ambivalence. The American, being perfect in every way, except being addicted to documentaries about WWII and nature films rather than slapstick, is maybe not the perfect match after all.
This performance is a product of an exceptionally fine script by the British/Brazilian/Australian playwright, Marcelo dos Santos, the director Mathew Zia and the actor Samuel Barnett, whose secret is in his timing and delivery. While the show may seem at first to be a conventional comedy show, with jokes and throw away lines, it develops into a more complex portrayal of the comedian. We come to feel for the man, while at the same time we laugh at and with him..
I do not want to give any spoilers except to say that in the end it seems the laugh is on us, the audience.
Space Theatre 27 February -Sunday 2 March
Photo: Mihaela Bodovic
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