Sydney Reviews

I lose my breath as I walk into the theatre, partially because of the smoke, but even moreso, because of the amazing set created in this tiny little theatre. What seems to be a million light bulbs hang overhead, dirt on the floor (yep, there’s soil in the building) and what I initially thought were leaves scattered over the dirt (I later found out that they’re cigarette butts, which is surprisingly even more fitting than the leaves). When the back wall lights up, I lose my breath again. This time, by the thoughtful intricate details plastered all over the set.

And They Called Him Mr Glamour is a 70 minute, one man, one act show presented by Belvoir and Black Lung Theatre and Whaling Firm. 70 minutes worth of Gareth Davies, the brilliant actor whose wild, neurotic character engulfs the stage and fuels the audience with laughter, empathy, squirms and sighs of relief. Mr Glamour never appears, but instead, we are left with the remnants of an almost functioning particle of society, begging for the audiences’ attention. If you like words, abstract ideas with lucid explanations, plenty of connotations and allusions to free your imagination, and a continual rolling around of these concepts, then you’ll like this show.

Davies’ bare-all performance is to be applauded, it is fine tuned, but honest. The beats are without embellishment, but worked for and well earnt under Thomas Wright’s fantastic direction. The team makes good use of the space, and whilst Davies spends a fair amount talking with his back to the audience, I don’t find it detracting because we’re exposed to a different side of vulnerability of this propelling lost man. Davies is an unhinged, unzipped, unassuming nutter whose talents need to be exposed to more theatre goers...and perhaps the general public to some degree.

While we’re here, a big kudos to lighting designer Govin Ruben – you’ll fathom why I’m sending a big kudos to this man when you go and see the show. Coupled with the set, and overall design by Wright and Peter Trott, the atmosphere of the show reeks of a forgotten perfection.

And They Called Him Mr Glamour is a show not to be missed! Just make sure you’re prepared for the fast paced wit and use of the English language and prepare yourself for some squirms and awkward sexual tension and you’ll have a ball!


Belvoir and Black Lung Theatre and Whaling Firm presents
And They Called Him Mr Glamour
by Gareth Davies

Director Thomas M. Wright

Venue: Belvoir St Theatre | 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills
Dates: 15 September – 9 October, 2011
Tickets: $42 – $32
Bookings: 02 9699 3444 | www.belvoir.com.au