I’ll Be Fine Basement Theatre Review

Brian and Jude, middle strata Joes in the angsty years of male youth, undertake a psychotropic road trip filled with a guidebook of odd side characters – each inhibited by the two leads with bang on precision. There’s old, condescending Grandpa and the schizoid, weed dealer friend from high school who hasn’t left the couch since year 12, but there’s also the ‘mate from way back’ gas station attendant, who only set his goals slightly higher than the weed dealer, and to top it all off, Jude’s elusive biological father. That’s right. It’s safe to say at least half the audience pretended they misheard the line about Jude having two mums.

As Brian and Jude hit the road and head through the heartland of Porirua in search of life’s missing pieces, they glance back at some rather dark memories from their past which have shaped them into who they are at present.  Soon it becomes apparent that not only are the peculiar pair searching for Jude’s long lost Papa, but are also looking for something to keep them occupied as the daily drudgery of missed opportunities and couch lackeying become unbearable. Naturally, drinking and herbal smoking ensue – although Brian’s motor mouth makes it impossible for him to ingest much of anything.

The pop-culture movie references and impersonations provide many a giggle for cinephiles taking a break from the screen.  A decent stab at Scorsese one-liners,  combined with a saggy blue beanie make I’ll be fine bogan-tastic to the point where if it weren’t on stage, it could be seen as %100 true life. While Brian holds a victim mentality for past transgressions, Jude eventually wins his regressive friend round by explaining that despite being affected by terrible events, they need not continue to be shaped by them as they make the tentative step into adulthood.

For all its onstage merit, one cannot help but see Ben Wilson’s quirky, roadie play as a promising short film. If the Director and cast were just as savvy with their props and set, as seen onstage, this could easily be pulled off over a long weekend with some Lemon chicken and the aforementioned 24 packs of Corona.

Reviewed by Nicholas Brookland.

I’ll Be Fine is on at The Basement Theatre until 20 June.

4 small stars

Comments

comments