The Jolly Fisherman theatre review: Profoundly personal
Friendship and camaraderie moor this well-performed, socially pertinent tale
How do you squeeze a ten-year tale about friendship, community transformation and inner-city cultural tensions into a one-hour runtime? The Jolly Fisherman does it with ease, taking a modern narrative more often pushed in tabloid headlines and fought over in grim corners of Facebook, and instead interpreting it through a profoundly personal battle between childhood friends. Alex and Amir hail from different backgrounds, but after school they bond over darts and cola in the back of an East London pub. The young duo lovingly exchange cultural rituals, but outsiders’ perspectives and neighbourhood tensions chip away at their connection, until eventually an issue hits too close to home: the bankrupt pub is to be converted into a mosque.
From start to finish, you’ll be captivated by this timely tale that is as tender as it is hilarious. Packed with witty lines and tender moments, writer John Dinneen expertly lays out a story that is simple in concept but ambitious in subject matter. Better yet, the actors seamlessly pull off a demanding performance (bar a questionable Irish accent), making a two-man show feel like a full ensemble cast. The Jolly Fisherman doesn’t miss a beat in execution and pulls at every heartstring along the way.
The Jolly Fisherman, Underbelly George Square, until 31 August, 12.45pm; picture: ChewBoy Productions.