66a Church Road

Realise it or not, but nestling amongst the bricks and mortar will
be a cache of emotion. Fondness for a dwelling can flourish over time
and that is what stand-up comedian Daniel Kitson, a 25-year-old winner of the
Perrier Award eight years ago, articulates as he delivers his own personal
‘lament made of memories and kept in suitcases’ whilst sitting surrounded by
illuminated baggage – both metaphorical and physical.

On the surface this is a personal piece, billed as a break-up show
for the longest relationship of his life: that with his old Crystal Palace
flat. Everyday chores, tasks and pleasures which once took place within the
property – from meals to sleep and sex – are conveyed in a wonderfully
captivating manner and strike a perfect balance between the wistfully appealing
and the humorously poignant.

Yet what makes this play unique and memorable is the fact that it
raises questions about the cash-based civilisation which we are also forced to
call ‘home’. Indeed, Kitson reveals much throughout his monologue, relayed in
a mix of anger, wit and melancholy which transmits effectively from stage to
audience.

Kitson is endearing, providing a performance which is stylishly
simplistic – shaped and trimmed in equal measure to reflect his love of
language. At times, his reverie and reminiscence appear to lull the audience
into a state of reflective nostalgia.

Whether or not you enjoy where you live – or have lived – as much
as Kitson obviously did 66a Church Road, this pleasing production
will make you think about the walls which surround you, in more ways than one,
and is well worth watching on that basis alone.

– Jamie Kempton.