'One Fine Day'

'One Fine Day'

Waterloo East Theatre - 22nd September

Hidden away beneath the arches of London Waterloo, in the tiny Waterloo East theatre 'One Fine Day' has taken up residence. Fresh from a sell-out run at Edinburgh ‘One Fine Day’ is a one man show following the life of Eddie who is accused of child molestation and the devastating impact this has on his life and his beloved family. Although controversial in topic, this play is a beautifully performed by the young Jake Addley, with a maturity and understanding of a character that far exceeds his own years. Delivering a performance that is endearing and creating a protagonist that is above all likeable. This production is simply staged, subtly performed and without doubt worth the £10 you pay.

A one man show is a theatrical challenge and a daunting prospect for any performer however well established they may be. Keeping an audience interested for the duration is a skill in itself, yet the young Addley did this with ease through his acute comic timing and the warmth and truth in his scouse tone. The audience were inexorably engaged and implicated in his tale. His anecdotes were expertly delivered, with a humour and humility; Eddie as his Mum and Billy's dear old Granny were a particular favourite of mine but you cannot help but laugh along with Eddie when he tells of his first understanding of sex or Billy’s first erection. These otherwise crass tales were not cringe worthy but due to Eddie’s boyish openness the content was completely accessible and innocent making the consequences so devastating. Ironically the audience are never told another side of the story, the interrogation of Eddie is never elaborated upon so ultimately his innocence is questionable and by no means definitive, however the audience become Eddie's confidante, so there is an unnerving feeling of betrayal when this doubt creeps in. You desperately want to believe him.

As an actor it is Addley's willingness to throw himself into the chatacterisation so whole heartedly that made this production so watchable. His physicality when embodying the other characters in the story was exceptional and his enthusiasm was infectious and Addley is a testament to the clever writing.

Although the concluding scene is surprising and perhaps a little lost in the context of the play, ‘One Fine Day’ is an intriguing take on childhood and family relationships, confronting the taboo issue of how close is too close and making us question the vilification of suspects. This is cleverlu written little play, with some very though provoking issues at its heart; Eddie may be ‘that man’ but Jake Addley is certainly that actor to watch, and I urge you to go and watch story telling at it’s best.