Another one man show with excellent projected images, minimal props but highest quality of performance from Tristan Sturrock (of Kneehigh theatre). He tells the true story of how he broke his neck (a C5 it is called in the trade) and lay for weeks immobile in a hospital bed wondering if he would ever be able to move again. With minimal resources he recreates the situations, the landscapes and the characters he met along the path of this strange and eventful journey. These range from the next door neighbour who discovered him having fallen off a wall slightly the worse for drink, to the down to earth ambulanceman who transported him to hospital, from the urbane but highly skilled surgeon who operated and gave him back his mobility to the nurses whose calm support and dedication helped him rehabilitate. It is a fitting and simple tribute to our NHS (echoing the recent praise in Danny Boyle's Olympic opening cermeony) and reminds us that however much we complain about it, we still have a system which is there for all of us when we really need it.
It is told with humour, is visually interesting, brilliantly performed (yet another standing ovation - three in a row for me that morning - I was on a roll) and extremely moving - most of the audience were in tears at the end of the show.
Rural touring? Yes, please! It is a uniquely personal story told in a way which everyone can identify with - and looks as though it would be relatively easy to tour.
Review by Gill Vickers
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