Showing @ Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh until Sun 24 Aug @ times vary
Corporate spying has been given its fair share of newspaper column inches over past years but Mark Thomas’ show denouncing the practice is given extra impact by his personal connection to it.
The comedian, known for political productions, relates his experience of working with a group of activists campaigning against the arms trade, in particular with Martin. Martin, a larger than life campaigner whose efforts had huge positive effects for the cause, was Thomas’ best friend. He was also a spy.
Although the theme is weighty, this is no dreary antiestablishment oration – it’s a performance: Thomas’ impassioned delivery, emphatic gesticulations and wry sense of humour prevent it from becoming overwhelming. Video clips of activists he mentions turn the monologue into a dialogue (of sorts). Lending credibility to the piece they also twist the solo delivery format into a fusion of stand up and theatre.
The humour obviously makes it enjoyable but it also makes it more digestible. This is important because although the show is ostensibly entertainment, it would be sad if nobody came away from it feeling enraged by the unwarranted and unregulated actions. When confronted by the facts, it is easy to be disheartened – depressed even – by the seeming inability to change things. But Thomas’ charisma is also inspirational and sparks a feeling of wanting to follow in his mischievous footsteps – particularly from his anecdotes of past creative, non-violent actions. The power of this show though is from Thomas’ genuine connection to the social wrongs he speaks of.