Review: I, DANIEL BLAKE, Liverpool Playhouse - Tour
Photo credit: Pamela Raith
A story of heartbreak, loss and the fuel to start a fire. I, Daniel Blake spotlights the truth in our society and reminds us why the power should be given to the people.
When Katie and daughter, Daisy, move to the city, they are greeted by a friendly Newcastle welcome from handyman, Dan. Little did they know that, as they became friends, both were struggling to access the benefit system. As time passes, the pair bond and fight for each other through tears, arguments and a lot of Geordie laughter.
A better cast could not have been picked to portray this heartbreaking story. Both Daniel (David Nellist) and Katie (Bryony Corrigan) are the perfect castings for the protagonist pair, attentively leading the audience through the highs and lows, laughter and tears. Their moments shared invite the audience into the pitfalls in their lives as they try to make sense of their worlds crumbling around them.
A key standout moment within the piece is the homeless individual's monologue following Daniel Blake's arrest. This direct address seems to evoke a passion to join the revolution against the societal class divide and the audience's reaction truly mirrors this. Micky Cochrane's performance ignites a fire and fury that carries the narrative's message to the end.
The work of set designer, Rhys Jarman, helps to complete the performance, making the piece whole. Politicians' parliamentary conversations are presented as Twitter projections highlighting the contradictions between the voices of the people's representatives and the reality of the systems that they implement. The first and final tweet are the same, reminding the audience that, despite the script being "a work of fiction", the issues that are presented are, in fact, very real.
I, Daniel Blake is a story that may never lose its relevance. As far as politically motivated shows go, this production will make all the headlines.
A piece for future history books.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Harley Keasey
I, Daniel Blake runs at the PLAYHOUSE theatre, Liverpool til 23 September, with further information here. The play then continues to tour until November 2023.