Poignant. Heart-wrenching. Truthful.
What a play! This was the harrowing tale of Daniel Blake who was treated so abysmally by the government, it made you ashamed to be British!
While one man, the reality was Daniel (David Nellist) was a representative of a cross-section of our society who, through no fault of his/their own, found themselves caught up in propaganda, bureaucracy, unfathomable benefit claim applications, and treated without any respect whatsoever. Daniel was humiliated at every turn; not listened to and falsely penalized by a system that was set up to protect and support people who fell upon hard times. There was never an apology for their error or any human decency shown. What was apparent as the narrative unfolded was a distinct lack of common sense and courtesy shown by policymakers, politicians, and civil servants at the job centers. This was combined with an overwhelming sense of frustration on behalf of the population who were in dire consequences.
David Nellist fully immersed himself in his character. We felt his anguish and frustration at the situation he found himself in. This was acting at its best – top quality, believable, yet he made his character’s portrayal look effortless. Magnificent! The audience was hooked from the opening scene – not a sound was heard throughout the play until the well-deserved rapturous standing ovations that were awarded to the whole cast at the end.
This accolade needs to recognize the skill and ability of the team behind the cast too. Mark Calvert, Director, and Dave Johns, Adaptation, and Rebecca O’Brien, Producer, superbly introduced a more contemporary feel and updated story, fitting for 2023, to Ken Loach’s original play by introducing single mum Kate (Bryony Corrigan) and her daughter Daisy (Jodie Wild). Together, the three characters’ harrowing tale was held together by the friendship, vulnerability, and reliability upon each other to get each other through their journey. The chemistry between these actors was evident and affirmed their bond. The audience was rooting for them all throughout the two-hour-long play.
This play is more relevant now than it was in 2016, in my opinion, with the cost of living crisis and the hardship many people currently face. It was a huge risk to take a very successful and acclaimed film and adapt it into a play to take on tour. The risk paid off. This brilliant play raises further awareness of issues surrounding poverty and a reliance on food banks (even for those in full-time employment).
You will feel outraged, frustrated, and I guarantee, like my mum and I, who reviewed this, will be thinking and talking about this long after you have left your comfortable seats in the theatre…
This is a must-see play!
Star Rating: *****