Review: ANGRY ALAN, Soho Theatre

Penelope Skinner's monologue arrives at Soho Theatre, after a successful stint in Edinburgh. It's a piece that packs the subtlest of punches, as it gently reveals what's currently going on in the ever-growing community of unhappy men.

The character on show is Roger; a divorced father who's recently been fired from his job. He finds a community online that seems to get the struggles he's currently experiencing. We laugh in his face, and enjoy doing so. His newfound allegiance to the Men's Right Movement exposes how bizarre the whole 'meninist' concept is.

Roger feels oppressed by feminism, yet Skinner somehow manages to make the man likeable, whilst poking fun at him constantly. Also directing, she has chosen a fantastic actor in that of Donald Sage Mackay, who possesses a wonderful charm to him. He has many moments that are touching and unexpectedly poignant.

Roger is the American man who's found himself fallen into a masculine crisis; something it's a shame to say resonates with a lot of people right now. Skinner has provided a fascinating character study, keeping her direction quite focused. Both her and Mackay have understood the humanity behind the character.

Some of the things he says are comical, but others feel a bit too much. The play doesn't condemn his actions outright, and instead allows us to make our own minds up. The script has a lot of heart to it, even if it the story's content informs us about someone that we shouldn't care about.

A great performance with superb writing, Angry Alan is one to be sure to see.

Angry Alan at Soho Theatre until 30 March

Photo credit: The Other Richard

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