I was never here is your topsy-turvy, turn the world inside out single hander, with the assistance of a little bit of crazy crowd work from performer, Leo Lion and a handful of special effects.
The entire concept of the show is all quite unknown, and all quite unfamiliar too, as Lion strives to propel the audience into a place of discombobulation and unanswered questions. Dressed as an agent, decked in a shining red costume, Lion must attempt to crack codes, film videos and scan ID cards to do everything to fulfil his mission. The action which transpires is immediately engaging, and this play-cum-escape room blend is definitely one to watch out for in the play genre given the increasing popularity of these games in the board game sector.
The whole point of the show, that “I was never here” takes a little while to catch on, and could do with a little further groundwork before the play begins, as some moments felt random, like the wacky outfit and reason for this mission. At the end of the day, the production never takes itself too seriously and this is highly refreshing to see. You are left bounding out of the auditorium into the night.
It is indeed easy to get lost in whatever is going on, though it would aid the show to find more balance between plot and clown-style humour especially at the end of the play when there is little come down from the action. This show is a bundle of thoughts knitted together extraordinarily leaving the audience in the perfect fever dream. Most unexpectedly, the show takes an existential twist, which could be explored further, possibly surrounding world events and our existence in the world. Lion’s clowning skill surges through and puts this piece into a political sphere.
Audience participation and involvement is the fire which fuels this triumphant production. Repeat-after-me sequences, alongside audience interaction with the objects placed around the room make for highly gripping scenes. Clever planning and careful scheming of the mechanics for the show mean that disbelief is suspended and Lion can carefully plan audience involvement. Lion has sections where the audience must use their phone, must summarise a script. All of this grants a freedom like no other to the audience to push the rules of the show.
The boundaries between audience and actor are erased by the sound and lighting design which mean that Lion’s show never takes itself too seriously. Fast sound changes, with humorous youtube-like skits produce exactly the kind of humour required to engage an audience in the 21st century.
Lion bounces off these elements seamlessly. Yes, he does seem a tad chaotic and this becomes a little uncomfortable as an audience member, running around the space, costume falling off and brimming with energy. But he crafts a show which is clever and feel-good to the max.
I was never here is running until 25th August (excluding 16th) at Studio at theSpace @ Niddry St. Buy tickets here
Image credit Anna Rishik
