Seven Days in the Life of Simon Labrosse
We join Simon Labrosse on a normal day in his life, he is joined by long time friend Leo and new friend Natalie (who responded to an ad in the newspaper placed by Simon looking for someone to play the women in his life) as they set out to share with us a week of their life. Simon is unemployed, unsuccessfully seeking work, in a long distance relationship with a woman working in Africa, though we learn this is a fantasy relationship that Simon has imagined based on one small interaction with a lady he fell in love with.
This is a show billed as an absurdist farce and it hits that mark perfectly. Written by Carole Frechétte, one of Canada's leading playwrights, this play is making its UK premiere in Kennington, London. Given it is not written by someone British, they have perfectly written a play full of British humour, of sarcasm and black comedy.
Every day, Simon has a new idea to make himself some money, he will finish your sentences, he will be your audience or maybe you need your conscience cleaned, which he would be more than happy to do for a small fee. His friend Leo plays all the angry roles in the story because due to childhood accident he is unable to feel or emote any joy, this role is played wonderfully by Tony Wadham with a surly, brooding energy that bursts out at times with anger and frustration. Natalie is played by Elaine Bastible, who does a brilliant job at bringing this unusual character to life.
The beginning and end of the piece breaks the fourth wall in a very clever way. The audience are addressed by the actors which brings us into the world of Simon Labrosse, though being an actor doesn't seem to be on the list of money making ideas Simon has.
It does feel as though the play needs a little further development in some areas, the reveal of Simon's relationship didn't pack the dramatic punch I felt it deserved and I would like to see the Natalie character given more history to play with, but I do feel this play will be a success as it matures over time.
This show was reviewed on the 24th October 2024 at the White Bear Theatre, London where it runs until the 2nd November 2024. Tickets available here: Seven Days in the life of Simon Labrosse | The White Bear Theatre
Review written by Rosie Browne
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Photo credit: Henrietta Hale
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