Performed at the White Bear Pub Theatre, this one-man show transforms Herman Melville’s existential saga into a 90-minute stand-up routine brimming with puns, silly songs and slapstick humour.
While Neville’s original novel is all about drama and existential reflection, Hewer’s adaptation is a light slap-stick approach that delivers smiles and laughter. There is something very British in the way the character quirks are presented and the way the over-the-top puns are delivered. Some jokes land with the impact of a well-timed wave, while others feel too dry or ridiculous to bring genuine laughter, so we settled for the odd eye-roll and numerous chuckles.
Hewer, delivers a dynamic performance, embodying the novel’s diverse characters with distinct speech patterns, postures and expressions – we particularly enjoyed Starbuck’s American accent and his caffeinated offerings to his captain. From one-legged Captain Ahab to the adorable Steve the Seagull, the portayal of these twelve strong individual characters is so vivid that it breathes life into the otherwise minimal set design and simple lighting.
The music and sound, orchestrated by Christopher Peters and director Bruce Knight, is another standout feature. The timing of sound effects is impeccable and helps immerse the audience in this hilarious maritime adventure. And, the props are brought into the story in amusic ways, adding extra splashes of humour. The seagull named Steve had us in stitches.
Amongst the relentless delivery of one punch line after another, there are a few more serious scenes that truly resonate with the audience. “Maybe Dick” may be sailing in uncharted waters, but Hewer’s strong performance and his effort to adapt Melville’s epic for the stage is to be admired. The show makes for a great entertaining evening for adults that’s sure to leave you with a smile—if not a belly laugh.
Maybe Dick was on at the White Bear theatre in London this March and is currently on a tour throughout the UK. Check out their website for further performance dates and venues.
For our selection of London theatre and art shows for children and families please visit our shows page.