Written and
performed by Henri Szeps,
Street
Theatre until 21st April 2012
Reviewed by
Bill Stephens
Written and
performed by Henri Szeps , on a surprisingly basic set attributed to Graham
Maclean , “I Wish I’d Said that” is a charming one-man show in which Szeps
portrays a failed actor – Joe Bleakley -
who has recently become a resident of the Foggadieu Retirement Village
and who is preparing an entertainment
for the residents.
The audience
watch Bleakley in his retirement village
apartment as he rehearses his piece , mainly consisting of excerpts from roles in which he didn't appear
during his career, or commenting on recent events, particularly some involving
his daughter, interspersed with some favourite gags….all of which are
delivered with consummate charm and skill.
No director
is credited , so I assume Szeps directed
the show himself – which may account for the difficulty I had with the piece.
Henri Szeps is a consummate actor and raconteur who quickly
establishes an astonishingly direct connection with his
audience. Joe Bleakley looked a lot like Henri Szeps in real life .
Therefore I had to keep reminding myself that I was
really meant to be watching an actor in rehearsal , rather than Henri
Szeps actor giving a performance , which
my mind told me I was really watching….if you know what I mean.
In any case,
it’s a lovely performance of an interesting piece, which has some important
things to say about ageing and life, and you well may respond to it quite
differently to me.
If you want to see it, you’ll have to be quick as the season finishes
this Saturday 21st April.
Excerpt from “Dress Circle,
broadcast by Artsound FM 92.7, Sunday 15th April 2012.
