It is very difficult to bring real life stories to the theatre. Dramatizing events sometimes makes the personal impersonal and the mundane exaggerated. It is no doubt even more challenging when the story has already been the subject of a Channel 4 documentary.
The Stranger on the Bridge triumphs in being a genuinely thrilling theatrical retelling of the story of Jonny Benjamin who was talked out of jumping off Waterloo Bridge by a total stranger and of his quest to rebuild his life and find his own Good Samaritan.
The subject of mental illness is explored with enormous sensitivity and not a little amount of humour in a fantastic narrative form crafted by writer Katie Hims. Using a cast of five the background to Jonny’s story and his eventual reunion with Neil is told in a non-linear way deploying highly inventive leaps across the fourth wall to directly address the audience and even occasionally take actors out of their character.
Told in the round in the Tobacco Factory gives the play an intensity and immediacy which at times directly confront the audience’s emotions as suicide, bereavement and hostility are on open display.
Director Lizzie Minnion has taken her own television documentary to a new level and crafted a story that takes a few artistic licences to tell a story that is heart-warming, inspirational and at times jaw-droppingly bold.
Jack Brownridge-Kelly excels in the role of Jonny. In astonishingly his first professional role he demonstrates a deep maturity and deft touch that promises much for the future. His portrayal embraces the range of vulnerability, excitement and compassion as Jonny recounts the journey to and from the bridge.
Marco Young’s ‘Panda’, the voice in Jonny’s head is a perfect counterpoint; bullying, teasing and provoking him in a powerful manifestation of mental gymnastics.
Joanna Van Kampen and Jessica May Buxton are perfectly cast and demonstrate versatility in portraying Jonny’s mum and friend among many other parts.
Robert Macpherson’s range is equally impressive and none more so than when Neil is finally revealed with a warmth and uncomplicated simplicity that spells out what is best in humanity. His words buoyed Jonny up so that he could ultimately reveal his story and share it with others who have since gained the ability to not only ask for help, but to give it.
A mention must also be made to the choreography directed by Michelle Gaskell which allows the story to break out from pure spoken narrative and enables the characters to express their innermost vivacity.
It is in fact the love of life that drives this production; from the people who want to help Jonny to those he meets along the way who forge him into becoming the person he is.
Making real life just a bit more real by retelling, taking some bits away and adding a few others has made the play a joy to watch. As Jonny says, ‘just because something didn’t happen, doesn’t mean it’s not true’. ★★★★★ Bryan Mason 16th May 2019
