REVIEW: BOUNCE by Tom Derrington at Lion and the Unicorn Theatre 6 -10 June 2023

‘a bittersweet story about a mother’s attempt to do anything she can to take care of her mentally ill adult son’ ★★★★

Jesse is a charismatic performer who preaches a superficial doctrine of self-care. He’s somewhere between Stephen Bartlett and Mr Motivator. But beneath his gregarious exterior lies something much more sinister. Jesse preys on the vulnerable and makes millions in the process.

Nick Robinson, who plays the self-proclaimed lifestyle guru, fills the stage with his in-your-face acting. But not even he can distract us from the grim truth at the heart of this play.

Bounce is a bittersweet story about a mother’s attempt to do anything she can to take care of her mentally ill adult son, who has been temporarily roused from a depressive slumber by the insubstantial, yet compelling maxims espoused by Jesse. In a crowded market of fringe theatre about male mental health, Tom Derrington’s play stands out as a really nuanced depiction of what it’s like to have, or to live with someone suffering from, depression.

The strongest moments are when we’re suddenly wrenched away from what could be sketch comedy and plunged into darkness. One example of hilarity comes at an event hosted by Jesse, when laughter is cut short by the sudden mention of self-harm. Tonally this is difficult to pull off, but it works extraordinary well.

Other moments are just purely funny. The bulk of show is taken up by Sylvia (Chrissie Derrington) reeling off a witty monologue, only to be interrupted every now and again by the increasingly annoying Jesse.

This contrast between brash con man and muted, funny-until-provoked, Northern mum works really well. Chrissie Derrington depicts off-stage characters within her storytelling. Although none materialise on-stage, all feel well-rounded and intriguing.

I think that where this play falls short is that we want Sylvia and Jesse to come together into direct conflict and I’m not sure they really do. Wrapping things up in a non-linear narrative is always going to be difficult, just doesn’t come to the satisfying conclusion I’d hoped for. That being said, it’s definitely well-worth a watch.

Bounce

Written by Tom Derrington

Directed by Kitty Cecil-Wright

Lion and the Unicorn, Kentish Town

6th-10th June

Box Office: https://www.thelionandunicorntheatre.com/

Reviewed by Danny Shaw