Theatre review: I am Kevin, by Cornwall-based Wildworks

“A bedtime story to set the world on fire”

On a hot calm evening as the blues of the day turned to dusky hues of pink and purple, with the beautiful Cornish coastline as its backdrop, the story began. 

‘Walk with me out into the world, into a world of monsters. And when we reach the end, the world’s edge, you will see things as they truly are.’

I am Kevin is an extraordinary story (based on a true one, according to Artistic Director, Mydd Pharo), that weaves childhood, with legends myths and monsters, through adulthood and those things that follow us, the things that we have to travel with in life. I am Kevin asks us to think about how those define us, and whether the fates have it. Through a deeply moving thread of story, the overriding message is one of hope.

This is also Wildworks – a theatre company quite like no other, with a proven track record of delivering immersive, moving and unforgettable theatre steeped in landscape and working extensively with and in the community. You only have to read the accolades and marvel at the back catalogue highlighted on the company’s website to get an amuse-bouche for what to expect.

There is no linear story, but one that evolves and revolves in layers. It isn’t high-brow either, but engaging and often utterly hilarious. This is no static performance, but one that you travel along-with and alongside as you walk along the length of Carlyon Beach. It is hard to bring into words the spectacle and ingenuity of the five sets that the audience travels through – from a tree by the waters edge, through a dystopian cityscape, and on towards the edge of the world. As we travelled, the audience gasped, laughed, wondered, and cried.

There were stellar performances by lead actors Zack Hawkins (boy), Hannah McPake (mum, also script writer, working closely with Mydd Pharo) and Nigel Barrett (The Traveller) but the entire production was lifted by the whole cast. 

It was a near perfect evening, topped up with the spectacular rising of the super moon.

***

Wildworks performances don’t happen very often in Cornwall, and this limited run finishes on 20th August. Community tickets are available, so if you are on restricted income, contact the box office: boxoffice@wildworks.org.uk. Audio described and BSL signed performances are also scheduled. 

Car-parking can be secured from 17:30, so you can head to the beach early, have a dip, a bite to eat from the fabulous pop-up stalls, and then settle in for the performance at 20:00. Running time (no breaks) 120 magical minutes. 

Location: Carlyon Bay, St Austell.

I am a trustee of Wildworks, and therefore isn’t without bias, but check out the buzz on Social Media. There you will believe that this is a production that will be being talked about in Cornwall for a long time to come. 

Facebook: Wildworks Theatre

Instagram: @wild_works

Twitter: @WILD_WORKS