RON arrives at Riverside Studios as an apparently simple one-man show that quickly becomes something far more ambitious.
Written and performed by Ted Walliker, and co-directed by Lev Govorovski and Walliker, RON is the first Riverside Studios co-production. We recently had the opportunity to interview Walliker, who gave us some insights into the story behind the production.
Walliker and Govorovski have managed to create a one-hour long piece that, as advertised, is not stand-up comedy, despite beginning with that premise. It is funny throughout and includes some interaction with the audience, which works particularly well, as the show makes fun of itself and of some of the elements that are typically present in stand-up.
RON takes us through the absurd but comical journey that two friends take to prove a point and regain “their dignity”. The two characters, both played by Walliker, go through numerous foolish but laughable situations. However, it is clear from the very beginning that the show is telling two stories at once, and that the sequence of absurd scenes is only acting as a cover for a deeper and more emotional storyline. In doing this, RON explores the unrequited feelings that may emerge in a friendship and, more importantly, the lengths to which an individual may go to try to prove themselves worthy to someone they idolise.
Walliker’s performance is fantastic: he plays quite a few roles and conveys a vast array of emotions and personalities, ranging from a shy stand-up comedian in the beginning to something very different towards the end. The strength of the storytelling lies both in the cleverness of the script and in Walliker’s magnetic ability to bring it to life.
Although the production appears technically simple, the set and lighting design manage to surprise at different moments throughout the performance, particularly during the shadows sequence.
This production has much to offer to audiences interested in creative comedy with depth. RON will run at Riverside Studios until 5 July.
Tickets to attend this show were complimentary. We wish RON a fantastic run!
Gonzalo
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