Narc. Magazine Online
Reliably informed
Damian Robinson discovers an expertly told tale of modern day societal values in Jeff Brown’s new play, The Bench
Image: Jason Njoroge and Hannah Marie Davis, by Jason Thompson
Making both political and philosophical points, the new show from ‘him-off-the-telly’ Jeff Brown uses the backdrop of football to make both brutal and comedic jabs at modern day societal values and priorities. Tapping into the experiences of an international footballer Adi, played by Jason Njoroge, who’s failing to make an impact at a local club, and a single mum Vicky, played by Hannah Marie Davis, who is struggling to survive, the success of The Bench is its ability to weave the two lives apart and together, moving both characters in and out of focus whilst uniting them through shared beliefs and the possibility of connection.
Underpinned by excellent lead performances (Njoroge, in particular, is devastatingly heart-breaking at times), and strong direction from Olivia Millar-Ross, The Bench places its chips on the hope that though places of birth and cultural backgrounds might change, the commonality of our human experiences are often universal.
Supporting the story with North Eastern localisms, including the region’s love for football as well as some of its quirky accents and sayings, The Bench strikes gold by showing us that we are often more similar to others than we’d first imagine, establishing Jeff Brown as one of the funniest, and most serious, writers in the region.
The Bench is currently touring venues across the North East.
