REVIEW: THE DAYLIGHT ATHEIST by Tom Scott at Old Red Lion Theatre 16 April- 4 May 2024

‘Funny, poignant and truthful, it’s a play which explores the psyche of a complex and deeply flawed character’ ★★★★★ 

New Zealand classic THE DAYLIGHT ATHEIST by satirist and writer Tom Scott opened in New Zealand in 2002 and has since had many revivals, this is its UK premiere. It presents the life story of Irish immigrant to New Zealand, Danny Moffat, with all his considerable flaws and saving graces.   Scott loosely based the character on his own father which allows many insights, a gift for any actor capable of doing justice to the role.

Actor Owen Lindsay is extraordinary as Danny, giving a surly and hilarious rendition of the irascible character.  As an Irish emigrant to New Zealand himself, his in-depth understanding of the cultural differences that make up part of the drama shine through. Another aspect being covered in the drama, is Danny’s relationship with the various significant others in his life:  His respect for his Māori best friends, Jack; his drunken abusiveness towards his wife, whom he carelessly refers to as ‘Dingbat’ and his cruelty towards his son, whom he has dubbed ‘Egghead’. Danny certainly isn’t always a likeable character, but Lindsay keeps it real and there is a payoff at the end of the show.

Lindsay becomes all the peripheral characters, with clever use of physicality, voice and props. He is sympathetically directed by Richard Panzenböck who keeps up a fast pace and draws out the most the important threads in the production with much skill.   An excellent set constructed by Bailey De Paor Arts, gives visual clues to the poverty in which Danny and his family live whilst light and sound by Cameron Pike adds interest with almost filmic effects. 

It all adds up to a riveting show, in two acts with an interval which doesn’t spoil the flow but allows the actor to have a much-deserved breather. It is a remarkable solo performance requiring huge energy and skill to achieve such a poignant, funny and truthful performance. 

Read our interview with Owen Lindsay here

Restless Ecstasy presents

THE DAYLIGHT ATHEIST by Tom Scott at Old Red Lion Theatre  16th April- 4th May

Box office: https://www.oldredliontheatre.co.uk/the-daylight-atheist.html

Director: Richard Panzenböck

Performed by: Owen Lindsay

Producer: Anne Marie Sheridan

Production Assistant: Jack Fairey

Light and Sound: Cameron Pike

Set Construction: Bailey De Paor Arts

Reviewed by Heather Jeffery