Simon David's 'Dead Dad Show'

At 53two, in the heart of Manchester, on the 11th July 2024 there is an eager buzz. All kinds of folks are sprinkled around the cosy bar.

53two is nestled under one of Manchester's arches, and it is as strange as it is charming. The whole venue is a narrow rectangle, with a few little cubbies sprawling off with bookcases and boardgames stacked around and a friendly little dog prancing around at one of the staff's feet. Naturally, I adore it.

And then Simon appeared...

The Dead Dad Show is divided chaotically, into segments of very different tones and approaches. Simon is trying desperately to get an award, so he has decided to milk the tragedy of his dad's death - something that he admits is generic - to make something funny while heartfelt. First we explode into a musical, Simon erupts on stage in a skirt that he pulls off exceptionally and we get a short number about how he is a boy, wearing a skirt, and how unexpected that is. By the end of the song, Simon had full control of the audience and he masterfully led us through a gritty American play ("I bet you're wondering how I got here"), a 'deep' drama with a focus on cheese sandwiches and a skewering of the overdone overly offensive Netflix comedy special. Somewhere in there he fits an interpretive dance that features full frontal nudity which was shocking, hilarious and brave. The quick changes are especially impressive, letting Simon jump around between genres with clear transitions and changes in affectation and tone.

The whole piece is remarkably well executed and well timed. He has a very natural feel for the audience, and his energy managed to dispell any lulls in the audience's receptiveness.

And then we get clips of his father's play, performed after his diagnosis. Echoes of his father's words have appeared through the whole piece, unbeknownst to the audience, but they have more weight now. The whole thing feels more desperate and heartfelt. The whole audience goes quiet, into something approaching reverance.

It was inspiring. The screen, that was tactically used to provide backdrops throughout, blared two words when he left the stage that urged the audience to use their time wisely.

It's hard not to view the whole piece as a scattering of our boy Simey's thoughts during a mental breakdown, but that means in a way I am falling into the trap set by his over the top character. He is looking for that emotion, to win awards, but perhaps this is in search of legacy, rather than recognition? In searching for the faux deep and using his father's death, Simon David does end up producing something thoughtful, meaningful, laugh-out-loud funny and certainly award worthy.

Absolutely go and check out Simon David's show in Newcastle at the next performance, or go see it at the Edinburgh Fringe. You won't regret it.

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