Buyer & Cellar
We’re told right from the beginning that everything that’s about to happen is make-believe. You might think that’s an obvious statement as theatre is the business of make-believe. However, this story is a wild tale, told brilliantly in the capable hands of Rob Madge (My Son’s a Queer But What Can You Do?).
The fourth wall is broken right from the outset as Madge’s character, actor Alex Moore, invites us in to this fantasy, written by Jonathan Tolins. Madge’s communication with the audience is engaging and disarming, with the result that they make make-believe believable!
The premise of the story is that Alex Moore, a struggling actor, is employed to run a shopping mall…in the basement of Barbra Streisand’s basement! The story that unfolds is bizarre and fantastical, but draws us in with intrigue. It’s a comedy, for which Rob Madge is the perfect choice. Their comic timing, asides, facial expressions, and direct engagement with the audience are all carried out with perfection. They are able to hold us in the palm of their hand for the whole of this one act show.
Director, Kirk Jameson has carefully considered all the supporting aspects of this production which help to tell the story. The set is so simple, which allows Madge to work with us in creating this fantasy world: just a back-drop and a chair. The incidental music under the direction of Emily Rose Simons, is used sparingly and to good effect, giving plenty of subtle nods to Streisand’s career. Some of the references are so subtle they are easily missed, especially if you’re not the biggest Streisand fan (something that Madge’s character would say no self-respecting gay man should ever admit!).
As the story progresses, other relationships are explored, particularly Alex Moore’s relationship with film-maker partner Barry, which is turbulent to say the least! This gives us the grounding of heart and realism that this story needs in the otherwise absurd situation Alex is in.
Towards the end we find ourselves asking how the story will resolve, which it definitely does, but we’re nearly at 2 hours for a one-act show. This makes me question whether the script is perhaps slightly too long, especially for one act. It certainly gives the actor a challenging job to hold us for that long, which fortunately Madge does effortlessly.
It’s definitely worth a visit to the King's Head Theatre in Islington, even if you’re not a particularly massive Streisand fan, just to witness the disarming talent of Rob Madge in this one-person, one act show. It’s sure to create memories, in the corner of your mind!
This show was reviewed on the 23rd September 2024 at the King's Head Theatre, London where the show runs until the 19th October 2024. Tickets available here: Buyer & Cellar | What's On | King's Head Theatre (kingsheadtheatre.com)
Review written by Ian Worsfold & Paul Wood
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Photo credit: Genevieve Girling
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You can watch our interviews with Rob Madge and writer Jonathan Tolins here: https://youtu.be/N9kD1P7X8ug?si=MQ3EXJS7wkTHgv6c
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