There is a rich theatrical tradition of showcasing stories of people who have been left behind, left out. They tend to veer towards empowering and uplifting. So, it is safe to say theatregoers may make certain assumptions as they head into a one-person show about a young man growing up in a challenging background only to discover the power of cruise ship singer Jane McDonald. In reality, however, Jesus, Jane, Mother & Me is something altogether darker.
Daniel Valentine (Jack Stokes) is restlessly roaming his mothers’ front room as the audience members take their seats.
Bin bags full of clothes litter the floor, the windows are boarded up, no cleaner has troubled the space for many years and the faded shape of a cross on the wall tells us religion was here but is present no longer. A warbling Jane McDonald can be heard somewhere in the distance, fighting over the sounds of kids in a playground and an intermittent school bell.
Beginnings don’t get more dramatic than when soundtracked by the ethereal and sublime You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me. However, the audience is soon brought back down to earth. Back to a story that is actually much more tragic than the heartbreaking song.
It is Mother’s Day and Daniel is writing a card to his. Their relationship has clearly been complicated since Daniel was born breech. A birth that almost killed his mother, as she so often reminds him.
As Daniel reveals his story, it becomes clear his effected, flamboyant and positive delivery masks a traumatic reality. Unchallenged school bullying, the malign influence of the church and the complicated love of a broken parent.
Idol worship can so often be a distraction from these problems. If only temporarily. So when Daniel and his mother see Jane McDonald in concert everything changes and they finally share a common joy.
However, the warning signs are there when Daniel compares the experience to the rapture. Once his Mum moves him out of his bedroom to create a shrine to the singer then takes him out of school to watch Jane on Loose Women it is clear this can’t end well.
Philip Stokes’ play is brilliantly created, subtly layering the tension and drama whilst still managing to deliver a heartstopping finale which feels both earned and totally shocking.
It takes a little while to get used to the delivery and rhythm of Jack Stokes’ performance as Daniel. However, once the flashes of anger and pain start to show he has the audience in the palm of his hand. His physicality is extraordinary.
The set and sound design brilliantly transport you to a world that feels sadly believable.
This is not an inspirational show about the power of music to change lives, but then we have all seen those.
This is an unflinching look at a part of society we either prefer to ignore or create unrealistically positive stories about. A reminder of the neglect and manipulation of those on the margins. A proverb on the dangers of obsession. It might not be what one expects, but it is all the better for it.
Jesus, Jane, Mother & Me is on tour before a run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, more information can be found at https://twitter.com/ketchupprods.
Reviewer: Peter Ruddick
Reviewed: 19th May 2023
North West End UK Rating:
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