The stage is set with large glowing lightbulbs, black balloons are hung to the side of the performance space and Gwen Stefani is blaring out of the PA. The Underbelly Cowgate is a dark, mysterious and at times stuffy venue. This setup is not too dissimilar to a nightclub and a nightclub is where we begin.
Torch is a solo theatre show intensely performed by Jess Mabel Jones. She plays a self-assured, but precarious young woman who is fast approaching her 30s. The story leaps back and forth in time, as she accounts the high and lows of her eventful life. It is a fairly standard narrative framework, but it is delivered with inventiveness and imagination. Mabel Jones owns the stage and delivers every word with appetite and instinct.
The true magic of Torch is in the writing. Playwright Phoebe Éclair Powell has developed a powerful, imaginative and authentic script that oozes playful emotion and confessional lyrics. The reflective nature of Torch really draws the audience into the protagonist’s world. We hear of her struggles with relationships and how she has dealt with the familiar hardships of growing up and adapting to serious life changes. These harsh and humorous memories ring true and present a sensitive and expressive sensation that goes straight to the heart. Torch is filled with laughs and moments poignancy and this is a very powerful thing.
Music plays a big role during the show. It sets the tone and underlines the energy and intensity of performance. At times Mabel Jones grabs the microphone and belts out a wide variety of heartfelt songs. Patti Smith, Lady Gaga, The Gossip, Katy Perry and even a subdued version of Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit give a satisfying and arousing soundtrack to the show.
When Torch reaches the emotional climax it does feel a little underwhelming. What could have been an explosive conclusion filled with glitter and fireworks, ending up feeling slightly constrained and hushed. This did not distract from the strident storytelling and raw performance that presented intimate and intense human emotions through an original and creative script.