When I review a show, I take my notebook, sit in the back, and analyse. However, this method was not possible when it came to Stand Up If You’re Here Tonight, not only due to the nature of the show — the house lights remain on throughout and audience participation is the name of the game — but also because the entire piece invites its audience to be present, and this invitation proves difficult to refuse.
John Kolvenbach’s new one-man-show intends to dissolve the barrier between spectator and artwork. I would say that it shatters the fourth wall, however, in this show the fourth wall is never built to begin with. From the offset, the nameless protagonist — an older gentleman who craves connection — engages the audience in a dialogue which continues throughout. Be it audience participation, relatable anecdotes, or a self-aware humour which makes the spectator feel at ease with this unconventional viewing experience, the whole piece is intelligently crafted as a communal theatre experience rather than a play.
Whilst the overall tone is light and excellently funny, the comedy is masterfully balanced with poignant prose exploring the human condition. These different levels to the performance ensure that, whilst the concept of connection between audience and actor is simple and sustained, it is never repetitive. Credit must also go to Jim Ortlieb whose performance is nothing short of inspired.
If I were to have one critique, it would be the lack of adaptation of this American play for a (largely) UK audience. This caused a few references to be lost and perhaps drew from the illusion of it being a spontaneous event crafted for each audience.
In a world where we experience so much media through a screen, Stand Up If You’re Here Tonight reminds us of the true point of art, and of why theatre remains an essential art form — human connection. This show is theatre at its best.
Stand Up If You’re Here Tonight is running until 31 August at Underbelly, Bristo Square – Dairy Room Buy tickets here.
Image provided to The Student by Stand Up If You’re Here Tonight.
