In Conversation With Graham Norton Archives

★★★★

“A captivating and moving story”

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to question your sexuality? Meet Mark, a troubled teen trying to navigate life who finds it difficult to open up about his concerns surrounding sex and family/school life.

Written by Simon Perrott and directed by Gerald Armin, In Conversation With Graham Norton is an insight into how the younger generation explore their sexuality and the challenges it can bring. Mark, played by Jamie Kaye does a remarkable job at bringing his character’s story to life. His jaunty, true to life performance and excellent delivery of dialogue has the audience gripped from start to finish.

Graham Norton has a big impact in this hour long play (though not actually in person!). Mark feels like Graham is the only person to whom he can talk to in depth about what he’s going through and his yet to experience intimate relationships. Naturally talking to a photograph of him propped up on his bedside chair is a problem shared and a weight lifted. Family life is somewhat of a rollercoaster describing a sister who can be a bit of a bitch. This story also touches on awkward situations in public spaces and how young men (Mark) have a frequent need to masturbate leading to well … let’s just say a rather aroused but shocking encounter with maybe a family pet.

The subject of bullying at school comes up which even includes Mark’s sister of all people! This feeling of loneliness leads to him joining an online ‘Me and You’ group for individuals who, like him are finding it difficult to accept themselves either because of who they are or their appearance. He finds a good friend in someone from the group but be prepared, it’s an emotional one.

Gareth McCloud’s sound design brings clarity to the production with music influences which resonate with young people in similar situations of trying to find themselves. Jonathan Simpson’s vibrant lighting design adds to the overall feel of Waterloo East’s unique, homelike set design which is cleverly displayed as a bedroom with a single bed, a radio and a bookcase of meaningful books and vinyl.

In Conversation With Graham Norton is a very well produced play, tackling awkward subjects people would find difficult to talk about in every day life. A captivating and moving story with some dark turns make it a definite must see!

In Conversation With Graham Norton

Hope Theatre

Reviewed – 12th January 2019

★★★

“Simon Perrott’s script is uncomfortable, shocking and humorous”

Batavia Productions are a brave company. Their work in film and theatre focuses on vital social issues, from sexual harassment to suicide prevention, and this piece, now enjoying an extended run at north London’s Hope Theatre, does not shy away from big issues facing young people.

Mark (Jay Parsons) needs someone to talk to, but with being bullied at school, ignored by his family, and isolated by the rest of society, he doesn’t have anywhere to go. Enter Graham Norton. Or, at least, a signed picture of Graham Norton. In lieu of calling into Graham’s radio show, Mark finds peace in his ability to be open with this one photo, revealing the pain he suffers on a daily basis, all leading up to one final, devastating decision.

Parsons plays the awkward Mark as compellingly vulnerable and naïve. His confessions do not come easy. As a one-person show, our interest rides mostly on Parsons’ performance which at times seems under energised. A microphone is used to differentiate between characters (dad, school bully, sister) in a way that seems cumbersome and unnecessary. Parsons relies on voice rather than physicality in creating these scenes, and so the characterisations are less precise. Director Joseph Winters could have pushed his actor farther in this regard.

Simon Perrott’s script is uncomfortable, shocking and humorous. It is structured well, with a dramatic tension crystallising under the surface throughout the piece. Filled with lucid, fantastical descriptions, the script has elegance but suffers through a lack of engaging stories. The funniest moment involves an unsuspecting cat having a finger shoved up its behind, but even this gets milked just a little too much. Perrott’s insights into a young adult coming to terms with his sexuality certainly ring true however and are a witty reminder how fascinating and scary discovering your sexuality can be.

Ultimately though this is a sad tale. Is it a warning of the dangers of online communities? A reminder of how common thoughts of suicide can be for young LGBTQ+ people? We are offered no solutions, just questions. A fairly strong central performance keeps this show going, but if Batavia wants its audience to take action, we need to understand what it is we’re fighting for.

Tag Archives: In Conversation With Graham Norton

IN CONVERSATION WITH GRAHAM NORTON

★★★★

Waterloo East Theatre

IN CONVERSATION WITH GRAHAM NORTON

Waterloo East Theatre

★★★★

“A captivating and moving story”