REVIEW: Transparency at Upstairs at the Gatehouse / Camden Fringe 20 August 2023 & on tour

‘An insightful, considerate, and intelligent piece of theatre’★★★ ½

Taking place in the lead-up to Jack meeting his girlfriend's parents, Jaden Adams' "Northern tale of transition" is at its heart a love story: one of romantic love, family love, and self love. But it is also a deeply sympathetic examination of the trans experience.

In this one-act solo show, Adams' confident portrayal of the central young man, Jack, is extremely likeable and charismatic. He addresses the audience directly as he unfolds his world in front of us out of his bedroom, from the private excitement of a new facial hair to his first night out with the lads. It's an easygoing and relaxed performance that gives you the lovely feeling of catching up with a close friend.

From this position inside the bedroom, Jaden brings us a cast of colourful characters. They're sometimes funny and sometimes sad, but above all, they show us the complex attitudes and painful missteps of often well-meaning people. This fantastic characterisation of the individual family members, with a particularly convincing turn as the mother, is by nature a caricature, but they are all lovingly drawn, and explored with impressive sensitivity. There are not necessarily any true villains in the piece (with the possible exception of Dad), but instead only real people, with real and messy emotions. The drama comes from their misunderstanding and emotional conflict as Jack opens up to them, and because of that, it makes for a brilliant educational piece, entertaining and deeply informative without being preachy.

There wasn't exactly a defined structure, which could easily see some viewers finding it a bit aimless, and the resolution came around quickly, kind of without a catalyst for it; but it did have a fun, feel-good ending that'll certainly bring a smile to your face. And it should be said that there was an excellent audience reaction throughout, complete with a standing ovation from the whole house at the end.

Jaden's commitment to his performance should be commended, bringing a very raw amount of emotion to the stage in a way that's often only seen in very gifted actors. However, though there was some smart direction, I definitely would have liked to see some variation in pace and energy, and it wasn’t always entirely clear when something was a punchline, which left some moments without the appreciation they deserved.

If you get the chance to catch this production on its UK tour though, I would highly recommend it. Here is an insightful, considerate, and intelligent piece of theatre that should be viewed by absolutely everyone. If we could all show this same amount of consideration, the world would be a much better place.

Transparency

Written & Performed by Jaden Adams

Breakdown Theatre Company

Camden People's Theatre, 15 August – 16 August 2023

Upstairs at the Gatehouse, 20 August 2023

Upcoming Dates

Swindon Arts Centre, 9 September 2023

Sowerby Bridge Fire & Water, 17 September 2023

LBT Huddersfield, 23 September 2023

Box Office: https://transparencysolo.info/tour/

Reviewed by Alix Owen