one4review | On 11, Aug 2024

Colin Hoult has been a fringe stalwart performing as his alter ego Anna Mann. To whom we said goodbye 2 years ago. Now Colin is back with a new show all about well, Colin. Fans of Anna Mann, a camp in which I wholeheartedly count myself, need not worry. It turns out there is a pretty thin line between the two. Both have lives populated with outsized characters, are deeply theatrical, have an unceasing ability to get distracted and most of all are ‘incredibly brave’.

This is a show about Colin’s working class childhood, growing up in Mapperley, in a context where the sum total understanding about mental health was ‘e’s not right’ and the threat of a stay in Mapperley mental hospital loomed large. He contrasts this to the mental health experience of his family today with his own diagnosis of ADHD and his son’s issues. It’s a nuanced show about fatherhood, families and not fitting in.

He’s an experienced performer who is so at ease with the audience. 10 minutes into the show he’s formed an ADHD self-help group with all of the members of the front row who have the first Initial J. His character studies of members of his family are equal parts hilarious, absurd and devastating. Expect long tangents, a Ouija board on Christmas day and a bit of interpretive dance. It’s the only show to leave me with a genuinely aching face. Colin Hoult is unrelentingly funny whether being himself or someone else.

*****
Reviewed by Sarah
Pleasance Courtyard – Cabaret Bar
Until 25th Aug (not 12, 13, 14)
20.20