With direction and dramaturgy by Mark Rice-Oxley, Marcus J Freed’s solo show recounts the true story of his near-death experience and two brain surgeries following a hit-and-run incident one crazy night in LA. Add in six failed marriage proposals, a psychic detective, and a wayward rabbi and you get a glimpse of some of the surreal experiences which also follow. But never fear, as Marcus’ friend Metuka (voiced by Jill Moray Reichman) assures Marcus’ mum, Gill (voiced by Amy Wisenfeld), in the opening scene, ‘Marcus is alive.’
Coming in at just shy of ninety minutes, which, like Marcus’ accident, went by in a flash, it segues through its three acts with perfect pacing whilst serving up a much deeper exploration of the mystery as to why he survived as well as to why any of us are here at all. With an underlying Jewishness to the content – think Woody Allen or Mel Brooks – it is littered throughout with laugh-out loud funny moments which often make you forget the underlying subject matter. Oh, and did I mention there is a $10,000 reward?
As well as this self-deprecating portrayal of himself, Freed serves up a number of supporting characters, both real and imagined, as he expands on his anecdotal experiences, often to the accompaniment of a Chandleresque noir detective – well, it is LA after all – with an occasional Shakespearean reference thrown in for good measure.
Balancing humour with deeper reflections on the meaning of life is no easy thing but Freed carries it off superbly as he engages the audience from the off with his easy-going manner that draws us into the heart of his life-changing experience mixed with moments of laughter and tears. It’s intelligent writing with a charismatic performance that sitting on the right side of clever makes it all the more enjoyable.
With Freed’s insightful quote from Hamlet earlier in the performance to mind – ‘there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so’ – I will leave you with a final thought of my own: go and see this excellent production, which is moving and funny in equal measure.
The play is dedicated to the memory of Barry Freed z”l, Marcus’ dear father who sadly passed away in January 2025.
Manchester Jewish Museum is part of a beautiful Grade II* listed (former) Spanish and Portuguese synagogue dating from 1874. Whilst an unorthodox space for theatre, it has wonderful acoustics and is most definitely a place to experience how we are different, together. Further details https://www.manchesterjewishmuseum.com/
Mark Rice-Oxley trained at Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art and has worked on over a hundred new plays, performed in London’s West End, and has many UK TV and film credits. You can follow Mark on @markriceoxley
Marcus J Freed also trained at Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art and has toured with seven solo shows along with a strong body of written plays and music videos. You can follow Marcus on @marcusjfreed
Marcus is Alive has just completed a mini-UK tour and will be featuring at this year’s Edinburgh Festival. There are a lot of ideas regarding its further development and opportunities to get involved. Further details www.marcusisalive.com
Reviewer: Mark Davoren
Reviewed: 24th July 2025
North West End UK Rating:
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