The Courtyard Theatre (English National Opera’s former rehearsal and workshop space in Hoxton which was itself a former public library) hosts a short run of Matt Littleson’s new single-hander play One Night With Robbie Williams.Following an extended period during which the audience were treated to Robbie’s back catalogue over the sound system, Megan Henson finally manifested (15 minutes later than scheduled, but without explanation) as Dolly, a Londoner in her 20s who possesses an unpredictable and combative temperament. During an eventful and frenetic day in the life, we’re introduced to those known and newly met who antagonise her to varying degrees and for various reasons — a job interviewer, skittish friend and their nightclub visit (resulting in a drug-infused sexual liaison in Brixton) and perhaps most amusingly — for sheer physicality and scathing delivery — a Pink Panther-esque stalking scene where Dolly eventually positions herself on a District Line train, directly in front of Shane an ex from school years who apparently behaved ungallantly towards her.
Essentially, the loosely realised premise of the piece is to layer irritating situations and then by means of a last-minute flashback, reveal a possible reason for Dolly’s anger management issues. But whilst there are some good ideas which could be explored further, the writer has succumbed to a tendency to cram-in as much as possible and the ending is inherently weak. Despite Ms Henson’s undoubted energy and commitment to the piece — which was performed with minimal set and requiring vocal projection over an unbalanced sound system — it largely remained a drama school graduate effort. There is potential, but realising it will depend on the writer’s ability to ditch some sections and hone others. This reviewer wishes both parties well with their efforts.
