“Bryan puts an impressive amount of energy into the performance … His physicality is excellent and certainly helps the audience to engage with the story”
The day before the 75th anniversary of D-Day, David William Bryan presents his one man show, In Loyal Company, at Alexandra Palace Theatre. Based on his great uncle Arthur’s experiences in World War II, Bryan’s show has already received critical acclaim from a 2018 run as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and is now touring the U.K.
The stage is virtually bare, aside from a trunk that it’s later revealed contains costume elements, including various army uniforms, used throughout the show. You’d be forgiven for wondering if such a basic performance space would mean a bland show, but this most definitely isn’t the case. It’s immediately clear that David William Bryan is a talented performer. The character he has created from his great uncle’s true story is likeable from the start, which makes us all the more invested in his journey and how it’ll turn out. From an awkward night at a dance to his capture by the Japanese army, a lot of detail about the experiences of one man during World War II is packed into just over an hour.
Bryan puts an impressive amount of energy into the performance. He barely stops for the entire duration of the show, which makes sense as five years’ worth of experiences have been condensed into a relatively short space of time. His physicality is excellent and certainly helps the audience to engage with the story. A particularly memorable moment comes when the young soldier jumps from a ship into the sea to escape a missile attack. The physical elements, combined with lighting and sound, make this section believable and powerful.
One of the most wonderful things about theatre is the opportunity for performers to bring people’s real experiences to life. In Loyal Company does this in a way that is emotive and respectful, as well as humorous at times. It may be the story of just one individual, but this show shines a light on the sacrifices made by so many during one of the most trying times in history. Long may similar stories be presented in our theatres.
Reviewed by Emily K Neal
Photography courtesy David William Bryan Productions
“a gripping, moving tale about the limits of human endurance and the strength of young people’s spirits”
Arthur Robinson (but his family calls him ‘Joe’ because it’s simpler) is a young lad in Liverpool in 1941. He works as a packer in a factory, goes to the dancehall where he’s too nervous to ask a girl named Mary to dance, and looks forward to his mum’s scouse dinner on Sundays. All of that changes when the Germans bomb the city. By chance, Joe’s family’s house is spared. Joe’s best mate Frank isn’t so lucky. Frank’s death is a turning point: Joe decides to join the army.
In Loyal Company, written and performed by David William Bryan, is the true story of Bryan’s great-uncle, who fought in South-East Asia during WWII and was eventually taken prisoner by the Japanese. It’s a gripping, moving tale about the limits of human endurance and the strength of young people’s spirits. From ‘lights up’, Bryan’s talent as a performer is clear. He owns the stage, powering through the hour with the sort of ease and confidence that’s truly enjoyable to watch. With only vivid description, some good movement direction, and sound effects, Bryan and Jonny Ryan (lighting and sound) bring a war to life.
There is no set – just one crate on a bare stage – and yet, with the richness of his language, and the earnestness of his performance, Bryan succeeds in immersing the audience in the foxholes of battlefields, aboard ships, and in the jungles of Thailand. The shows at VAULT Festival are at varying stages of development. In Loyal Company stands out for its sophistication and polish.
Bryan’s ability as an actor is well-matched by his skill as a writer. He’s crafted a tight hour. Where many fringe shows struggle with meandering narratives that stall and start, it’s a relief to be on a deliberate, solidly-structured, well-paced journey. One potential issue is that the second half is much heavier in tone than the first. Although this is natural for war stories, a bit more levity might have been nice – some comic relief appreciated. It would soften the contrast between the two halves, which at the moment is quite stark. Nevertheless, it’s an absorbing story and a thoroughly engaging performance. Bryan is undoubtedly an artist to watch.
As a WWII story, In Loyal Company takes on extra significance this week, which includes Holocaust Memorial Day. Although the story doesn’t deal directly with the events in Europe at the time, it is a powerful reminder of the horrors so many young British men endured in defiance of fascism. At a time currently witnessing a rise in nationalism and the scapegoating of outsiders, stories like Bryan’s hit back with stinging relevance. Just two generations ago, the British people sacrificed everything to take down Hitler’s regime. Today there are certain, increasingly vocal factions that want to emulate it. Now more than ever it’s imperative to tell our grandfathers’ stories. Remembering real heroes, like Arthur ‘Joe’ Robinson, who fought against world leaders caring nothing for human rights, may help curb the rising tide of hatred.
