Review: A Day of Pleasure

A Day of Pleasure - A production by the Useful Donkey Theatre company

On Thursday 26th September, the Useful Donkey Theatre Company presented the premier of Isaac Bashevis Singer's "A Day of Pleasure". Set in the Playhouse studio of the Liverpool Everyman theatre, the 70-Seater room afforded itself to the intimate one man show that ensued. 

The protagonist - Stuart Richman; an accomplished actor with an impressive half a century of experience and a founding member of the Liverpool Everyman theatre spent ninety minutes recalling episodes of Singer's childhood - as captured in the Nobel Prize winner’s acclaimed book.

Richman arrived on set wearing his dressing gown whilst eating a bagel. The audience were instantly captivated and intrigued as soon as he made his entrance. He took his time to change his clothing exclaiming "What a strange power there is in clothing!" This resulted in roars of laughter from the audience eager to see what was about to be imparted. 

Richman introduced himself as Isaac Bashevis Singer and declared "Life is God's novel, let him write it. Let me tell it. When I was a little boy, they called me a liar, Now I am grown up, they call me a writer" With that he sat in his armchair and recalled events of Singer's Life. Set in New York 1978, it soon became evident that he was waiting for a taxi to take him on a trip to Stockholm to receive his literary prize - The Nobel Prize. The intensity of the wait for the taxi to arrive was palpable as the audience hung onto his every word.  

The audience immediately warmed to the man before them as he spoke emphatically in an authentic Polish accent, lamenting on the woes of old age and the inconvenience of losing one's memory. You could not help but feel compassion for him as he sat there reminiscing on his life's journey. 

Having read the book and being aware of Singers life story, I felt as though it was actually him that was sat before me. To that end, Richman was both credible and convincing. It was uncanny how physically alike he is to Singer.

The one man show saw the audience go on an emotional journey which peaked in intensity as certain aspects of Singers life were recalled and shared. Memories both sad and happy were met with laughter and gasps alike. Chapters of the book covered in the play included "Why the geese shrieked", "Rob Asher the Dairyman", "The Wash woman" and "Shosha". He shared experiences of his young like in Warsaw at number 10 Krochmalna Street, the extreme poverty and life as a young Jewish boy attending Cheder.

The play showed the power of the imagination, the indomitable spirit of human beings especially those enduring hardship. Singer was no stranger to adversity and his vivid imagination as a child tormented him whilst simultaneously spurring him on to learn and become a scholar of literature- both religious and secular. The play was an accurate representation of Singer's successful life despite hardship and poverty.

This was an enthralling performance by Richman. His delivery was impeccable - a juxtaposition of animation and raw emotion. We were able to gain a deep insight into Singers life - the role that Judaism played, his relationship with his Rabbi Father and with his logical-thinking mother. We were endeared to him as he recounted the story of love - young love and his relationship with Shosha. 

The play was rich in humour and emotion and Richman conveyed these attributes with finesse. The set designed by Anna Gooch was simple but effective. Furniture including a writing bureau, suitcases filled with shoes and a hat and coat stand were well suited and set the scene perfectly. This play was a fait accompli for the Useful Donkey Theatre Company whose mission is to produce simple, powerful and entertaining theatre. It was a worthwhile way to spend ninety minutes of your life and left a lasting impression on me as a theatre goer. 

This was a great recollection of Singer's tormented yet colourful childhood. The play served up a great mix of humour, mischief and humanity. It was an accurate representation of the written form and did not disappoint. Richman delivered this role with gusto and beads of sweat were clearly visible on his countenance. It was beyond warm in this venue, so no need for a coat! This performance was simply Excellent! It concludes on Saturday 28th September.