REVIEW: Why I Stuck a Flare Up My Arse for England at Old Red Lion Theatre

‘Bombastic, brash and brilliant’ ★★★★

It was an image that captured the footballing world just before the Euro 2020 finals; the sight of a sparking red flare erupting from a man’s exposed rump as crowds of English fans cheered him on. What seemed a moment of comic ecstasy before England’s inexorable victory (“It’s coming home!”) came to characterize the ugly underbelly of the sport’s fandom when the home side lost on penalties and violence of all sorts ensued.

It’s in imagining what led to this moment in one man’s life and what came afterward that Alex Hill (writer and performer in this one-man show) has created a unique tale bursting with comedy and moments of touching poignancy. The end result is something bombastic, brash and brilliant.

Key to this success is just how well Hill brings his main character, Billy, to life. Hill is a highly talented actor who entertains and endears himself with impressive physicality thanks to the many pratfalls and wild nights Billy bursts through at breakneck speed. Here as well is evidence of director Sean Turner’s own touch as Hill transitions from scene to scene at a frenetic pace all while never losing the audience – a pleasant surprise given how much is going on at any given moment. Last but not least, the sound design by Sam Baxter fleshes out every scene perfectly and elevates the production throughout.

Some of these strengths did feel at times to be weaknesses, however, select moments where certain emotions needed space to breath simply didn’t get time. The very end of the play takes on a somber note that feels a little too neat and artificial and could bear some re-drafting. Finally, I would be lying if I said I didn’t want to see a flare go off at some point after being teased throughout (a clear opportunity for some clever stagecraft).

But these complaints are outshone by just the strong momentum the overall show possesses, epitomized by a moment when Hill enters the audience itself to help us further empathize with Billy’s ongoing struggle to understand and enjoy a performance of Le Mis. What would backfire in most productions ends up being a highlight of the night thanks to sharp writing and masterful acing, clearly showcasing the keen talent on display all round – if you’ve even a passing interest in the subject matter, don’t miss this one.

Why I Stuck a Flare Up My Arse for England showing at The Old Red Lion Theatre 26th - 30th September 2023

Box office: https://www.oldredliontheatre.co.uk/why-i-stuck-a-flare-up-my-arse-for-england.html

Written and performed by Alex Hill

Directed by Sean Turner

Sound Design by Sam Baxter

Dramaturgy by Jake Vithana

Reviewed by Harry Conway