Mark Thomas – Bravo Figaro

As a punk teenger, Mark Thomas worked on his dad’s building sites, cringing while his father played opera to the workers. His dad’s love of opera permeated the show, as Mark gently and humorously explored his relationship with his father, whilst avoiding saccharine sentimentality, “It’s not a show about forgiveness and redemption, but how to live around it.” Thomas had attracted an audience of a certain age; an age that is often neglected by the comedy scene, and the mature crowd lapped up his “historical” references to concepts such as “industry” and “vinyl”.

With a background as a stand-up Thomas warned that he’d engage in some “completely shite acting.” He lived up to his own low expectations, stepping away from his usual routines – this was Thomas doing “proper” theatre, whilst retaining his rapier wit. Cleverly interacting with recordings of his family, Thomas recreated past conversations revealing touching and compelling moments between father and son. As a veteran performer Thomas knows his audience and provided a stark mirror to their own parents’ worst foibles.

The performance spanned Thomas’ 1985 alternative comedy roots, right up to the present day, eliciting tears of joy and sadness, and was a genuine tale that reached into our very hearts and souls.

Dome Studio, Brighton Dome, 10 October 2012
Rating:
Sue Bradley