Along side Jesse Griffin and John Forman, James Pratt formed one third of comedy trio The 4 Noels. His musical skills and seamless character changes, used so successfully in The 4 Noels, serve him well in this solo venture The Men Called Rodney.
There are nine different characters in this show, all called Rodney, all played by James. These include the amiable OH&S rep; the space bogan sent (through a NASA/Centrelink initiative) on a shuttle to Mars; an awkward doctor suffering from a severe case of foot in mouth; a voice over artist and an over worked family man living in multitasking hell. The writing is beautiful, especially when it comes to the more poignant characters such as the sweetly sad Sports Retailer, and the Prisoner whose profound story is a particular standout. Every character is entirely believable.
However the show consists of series of independent, interspersed vignettes rather than characters exiting in an interwoven story as a whole. Maybe I’ve been spoilt in the past by shows such as TheBedroom Philsopher’s Songs from the 86 Tram or Kate McLennan’s The Debutante Diaries where the characters exist to inform a larger story or journey, but I was left feeling a little bemused at the conclusion of this show. Plus this lack of context resulted in some inexplicable moments in which the audience was not sure whether to laugh or not. There were also a three songs scattered throughout the show which, again, without context were slightly inexplicable. However it should be said that the structure of the show, which guided the gently undulating mood, supported the content well enough to draw the show together without context. Back to the beautiful writing.
The performance was, likewise, eminently professional and full of conviction. James slipped from one character to another with very subtle changes of style and manner, often with quick musical or lighting signatures ringing in the changes.
Criticisms aside, this show is entirely captivating. Its lights and shades contrast beautifully and, context or not, it is engrossing from start to finish.
For full booking details visit the Fringe website