^{Picture: Rosalind Furlong}

Henry Naylor’s newest work revisits his hit 2003 play Finding Bin Laden. In that show, the comedian and former Spitting Image writer reckoned with the gruelling conflict in Afghanistan through satirical farce. For this new piece, Naylor himself guides the audience through a personal journey that seeks to ask questions about our humanity along with wider ethical questions around the west’s involvement in Afghanistan.

Naylor is a talented comedian and his commanding stage presence combined with his personal attachment to the material, gives the show a gravity it would lack in less able hands. The play is structured around a therapist visit, and a sizeable chunk has Naylor recounting a research trip he made to Kabul during the development of Finding Bin Laden. A screen shows images from that journey, with striking shots that add authenticity to his words. 

Naylor questions his humanity and empathy through what he perceives as his selfish pursuits in the face of conflict he has seen. However, some of this comes across as a bit confused; despite multiple moments of self-realisation throughout his life, Naylor nonetheless does centre himself in this story. The deeper ruminations on human connection he seems to want to convey become somewhat lost next to anecdotes about Hugh Grant. Ultimately, the absence of deeper thematic heft or revelatory satire prevents the show from being as thought-provoking as it could be. However, it does manage to balance its serious subject with moments of levity to create an engaging piece of theatre. 

Gilded Balloon Teviot, until 29 August, 4pm.