James Rowland: Team Viking theatre review – Celebrating human connection
James Rowland’s solo show balances light and shade in a deeply moving exploration of mortality and the relationships that define us
It doesn’t take long for James Rowland to get his audience on side. He greets each person individually as they enter, joking, making small talk. Even for audiences who aren’t aware of Team Viking’s decade-long history of critical acclaim and sell-out performances, there’s no question that the next hour is in very safe hands.
Rowland takes us on a whistlestop tour of his lifelong friendships with pals Tom and Sarah, from childhood re-enactments of the 1958 movie, The Vikings, to raucous nights out and drunken piggyback rides. With Rowland’s clever jokes and affable manner, it’s easy to forget that this is a story about cancer, until we are reminded with a jolt. We learn that Tom is diagnosed with a rare, fast-moving and 100% fatal form of the disease. The rest of the show sees Rowland recount Tom’s final days and his attempt to give his best friend a true Viking funeral, longboat and all.
Just a glimpse into this deeply meaningful friendship is enough to ensure free-flowing audience tears at numerous points and, while the show has some very heavy moments, Team Viking is also a masterclass in gallows humour. Rowland is an expert at mining comedy from even the darkest situations, including ambulance crashes, Weekend At Bernie’s-style corpse smuggling and exploding hands.
James Rowland: Team Viking, Pleasance Courtyard, until 31 August, 2.05pm.