Someone, far wittier than I, said that nostalgia isn’t what it used to be. Brilliant as this quip is, I must disagree as, once you reach a certain age, in some aspects of life nostalgia is all you have. This was illustrated brilliantly by Nathan Queeley-Dennis in this one-man show in Bramall Rock Void.
The piece concerned Nathaniel and his anticipation of, and preparation for, two first dates. All did not run smoothly for the first one as he found that his barber had gone on holiday for 18 weeks, thus depriving him of a customary grooming and his chief confidante. An omen for what was to occur, or not.
The second, fared better when he arranged a liaison with a girl from work with whom he was set up with by a colleague an he fancied but didn’t think it was reciprocated.
That is about it, really but, like all great writing and performing, it was not the story so much as the way in which it was told. The build ups toward the dates gave a platform for him to go off at several tangents, engaging in self-analysis and an examination of the city he loves. He is obviously a young man, as I doubt he could wax lyrical about the Birmingham I knew when I lived there for a year in the mid 1970s. I have to admit that when I revisited it about ten years ago it had changed beyond recognition and the hole-in-the-ground Bullring, a muggers paradise, is now an upmarket shopping area, with a Selfridges resembling a whale covered in metal discs. A great piece of modern architecture. It appears that Solihull is still the pace to live, but there was no mention of its neighbour, Shirley.
His style of presentation was fast-paced and incorporated plenty of music and spoken lyrics, mainly by Beyoncé, behind which he tried to hide when wanting to be assertive, or romantic. His previous dates usually ended up by being one-night stands, but his real goal was to find ‘the one’.
Although we are probably about 50 years apart in age, and from different backgrounds, I found his plight so relatable. It confirmed my belief that people have far more in common than divides them, especially where emotions are concerned. The inner buzz created by the thought of a first date, and what it might lead to, hasn’t changed, except the only first dates I get now are the the ones out of a freshly opened packet of Medjools, and even they need to be stoned.
This was a very enjoyable hour in the company of a true artist, who left me reflecting on how that stage in my life used to be and making me so glad that I enjoyed it to its fullest while it was happening.
For details of Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz, including the list of creatives, and to book a ticket for the remaining shows in the tour, please go to https://elliekeelproductions.co.uk/portfolio/bullring-techno-makeout-jamz/
To see what is coming to Leeds Playhouse it is https://www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk/whats-on/
Images supplied by Leeds Playhouse
Tyke It To The Limit 