If there was a World Cup of performing artists, James Cairns would be Wayne Rooney. His ability to dribble a narrative through the vagaries of ten characters, and then shoot the story into closure without you second-guessing the play equals, in fact probably surpasses, the fancy footwork and game-making abilities of his northern football counterpart. more_link_text Related posts:JC le Rad Double-feature win Barking up the wrong tree

I was treated to another James Cairns extravaganza with his solo show, The Sitting Man, and he doesn’t disappoint. Word must have got out about how good he is because the venue was packed. (Except, of course, for the vacant seat in front of me, which is always, always, reserved for Late Tall Guy. The one next to me is for Wine-Gum-Eating Lady). Cairns’ gift is for recognizing a type of person, figuring them out and running with that to a point that would be disconcerting if he didn’t make them so likeable. Even the revolting ones. more_link_text Related posts:Double-feature win Bauke Snyman reviews The Zoo Story: Lots of protein, but no spice The Wayne Rooney of acting

High Diving was (and will be most days till the 10th, check your programme) a sparkling beam of light. Succeeding in hitting all the right buttons is, with a love story, almost a freebie. So that leaves you with writing (charming and original nearly throughout, with only a very few bum notes) and delivery, which soared. All four members of the cast gave truly inspired performances, so it’s with a slight degree of regret that I’ll single one out for sheer brilliance. more_link_text Related posts:You wanna know what to see? The Wayne Rooney of acting Funny but French