True stories are often told on stage with differing results. Some wildly exaggerate the truth, whilst most are accurate representations of the accounts. Thankfully, One Punch is the latter. Originally performed and set in Hull, the piece can be attributed to anywhere, making this a universal story that could relate to many.
We meet three paramedics Corey (Ellis Basford), Sarah (Camille Hainsworth-Staples) and Jack (George Reid), who tell us about the pressure of the job and how some events stay with them forever, including the tragic story of Reece. Reece is a young man with a girlfriend, young daughter and it’s his birthday. He heads out with his longtime friend Conor after work for a few celebratory drinks. A few drinks turn into one too many and he and his friend clash when he wants to return home to his family. The paramedics multi-role to tell the tragic tale of Reece’s final day and how One Punch cost his life.
The piece, which is written by Jane Thornton and Martha Godber, uses rhyming couplets throughout the majority of the dialogue to great effect. The fifty minute show is fast paced and only delivers the most important parts of the story, which makes the fatal ending all the more impactful. Thornton and Godber have instilled the necessary, yet honest emotion the piece needs, as well as paying tribute to the true story of Scott Akester. By involving the charity One Punch Hull in the devising of the piece, this ensures that authenticity is at the forefront.
With nothing more than some police tape setting out a boundary and a few beer crates, the space is intentionally sparse, allowing the actors to take up the space to tell the poignant story. The cast of three are on stage throughout and transition from character to character with ease, perhaps none more so than Reid. Each deliver a confident, well rounded portrayal of each character with instant likability, which only adds further anguish as the story unravels. Basford is particularly impressive in his professional acting debut as Reece, your average young adult that most of us can relate to harking back to that age, reminding us that an incident like this can happen to anyone.
The piece uses physical theatre throughout with an impressive slow motion dance sequence in the club as well as the moment the One Punch is delivered. The choreography (John-William Watson) and sound design (Sonum Batra) at these pivotal moments further enhance the believability of the piece, marking tonal shifts in the way the story is delivered.
As the tale reaches its climax, its impact on those around Reece is at the forefront especially the parents that have lost a child, additionally a child who has lost a father. Plenty of sniffles were heard amongst the audience as the theatre became overcome with emotion. This impactful telling of a true story by The John Godber Company would really thrive by playing to colleges and universities, as the £30 price tag is a little excessive for a production of this current scale and short run time.
The piece reminds us that One Punch can kill and whilst the actions of others could have resulted in a different outcome, unfortunately this time, as with many others, it wasn’t to be. One Punch is a heartbreaking tale told in a clever and engaging way that will truly pull on your heartstrings.
★★★★☆ (4*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Ian Hodgson
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