Review: JACK GOES TO THERAPY, Bread and Roses Theatre
Once upon a time, Jack was living with his boyfriend and looking forward to going on holiday to New Zealand as a couple. Until a threesome led his Prince away, leaving him feeling heartbroken. Surely the best way to overcome a breakup is with lots of sex right? But when the rebounds don’t work, he finds himself sleeping his way to therapy in an attempt to discover what to do when ‘happily ever after' doesn't look the way you thought it would.
Written and performed by Zac Williams, who has studied at various theatrical institutions such as Shakespeare’s Globe and East 15 Acting School and has been working as an actor on various shows since 2014. This one-man show has been around since September 2023, when it was first performed at Ballet BC as part of Vancouver Fringe. It then returned in August 2024 where it was performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Williams is using the comedic show to openly and honestly address some issues surrounding queer men’s mental health. In an interview for the Vancouver Fringe website, he said: “I hope audiences leave the theatre with a feeling of self love.”
Design wise, the set and costume is simple. A single chair sits towards the back of a lonely stage and “Jack” is dressed in a t-shirt and jeans. Yes, it may not seem much to look at, so if you want something big and flashy then this isn’t the show for you. However, the fact that it is so bare bones to look at stylistically, lends itself better to the wider story by exposing the vulnerability of the actor on stage, whilst also allowing a sense of isolation to be conveyed even before the house lights go down. Not to mention that the plainness of the costume is a form of invitation, which enables the audience to better connect with the character on stage by representing a sense of universality, much like using the placeholder names John/Jane Doe.
Direction wise, it’s not hugely dynamic or especially visually interesting either. Naturalism is combined with mime, making the show feel more akin to a stand up comedy set than a play. Again, we find that this is to the benefit of the story by allowing for an open dialogue with the audience. We are challenged to sit in a small theatre and just listen whilst the spirit of a writer inhabiting the body of an actor attempts to broach the gap between the stage and the audience. All possible distractions are eliminated, we are dared to actively engage by paying close attention to every movement and word that is generated in the world of the play. Immediacy is the name of the game. This is going to be very blunt and obtrusive in every sense; there is nowhere to hide.
Considering the fact that Williams wrote the show, it is no surprise that he knows his character so intimately well. The piece clearly portrays an aspect/aspects of his lived experiences, which firmly grounds it in the tangible whilst making the audience feel empowered by his boldness. Some conversations are easier when someone makes the first step to initiate them and this is exactly what he has had the courage to do with this show. Whilst the character of ‘Jack’ may hesitate at times, this story doesn’t spare any punches and is fully willing to embrace the complexity of the subjects that it is trying to address.
Conversations surrounding mental health taboos in specific communities and grief in all of its forms, from loss of friendships and romantic partners to death, are tough at the best of times. This show willingly embraces the mess. It tells us that we are going to be reminded of the losses and battles that we’ve come across in our lives, and that however we react is okay. This is the space for both reflecting and waking up to the fact that others have walked next to our footsteps.
It is worth noting that, as well as being deeply feeling, this show is also utterly hilarious and has us in stitches. From the awkwardness of a flatmate walking in on a hook up and discovering that you’re about as straight as a bed spring, to playing games with a work colleague whose trying to figure out your sexuality. Those moments when we know we are going to do something stupid and decide to go for it anyway, thinking “what’s the worst that could happen?”, to immediately regretting it the morning after and have to suffer through the ever so sympathetic “I told you so” from our friends. Unlike dick pics on dating apps, these utterly chaotic and fundamentally imperfect moments are very much solicited.
Williams’ hopes are fulfilled as we walk out of the theatre feeling lighter and more connected to one another. The type of love you feel for your fellow person when you come to not just understand, but comprehend deeply that some experiences are just that. Universal.
Heartfelt and hilarious. A tearjerker in both senses, defying expectations with its profound sincerity.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Megan O’Neill
Jack Goes To Therapy plays at London’s Bread and Roses Theatre until 22 January, with further info via the link below: