Douglas - Cheese and Pickle Productions

Douglas - Cheese and Pickle Productions

‘Douglas’ is, put simply, completely brilliant. Detailing the journey of a Leicester cheese-loving,
Guardian-reading cat, and Simon, a boiler-suited man who is “not lonely, just desperate for a friend”,
this one-man show is a philosophical, comical, and downright barmy masterpiece.

Steven Tarr flits from demure foot-licking to camp sashaying throughout, demonstrating an impressive
command of the stage and the audience alike. The process of seeing an actor switch from cat to
human and back again is enjoyable enough, without the comedic gems thrown in there. (Particular
favourites include, “I’m a big fan of yoghurt”, and “Joanna Lumley is a fox”. Funnier in context, promise.)
Tarr’s (human) character Simon, lovably tragic and an outspoken Beyonce fan, is the best friend
that we all want, and his selective fourth-wall-breaking audience glaring makes for some irresistibly
funny moments.

It’s not all giggles though; there’s a harrowing reflection on bullying and emotional trauma at one
point, which somehow manages to be emotional and impactful without melodrama. Tarr
has a brilliant sense of pace and atmosphere, too - just as a surprisingly grisly murder scene
gets a little too intense, an interjection of ‘Another One Bites The Dust’ ensures everyone that
he isn’t taking himself too seriously.

This show is one of those hard-to-come-by creations which, whilst appearing whimsical,
creeps up on an unsuspecting audience. As it progresses from Joanna Lumley and Big
Brother, it begins to offer genuine, hard-hitting truths, about life, guilt, and mental health. As for
what, where, and how these appear… you’ll have to visit Douglas and see.

One night only (Friday 14th Sept, 8.00pm)

Written by Grace Spencer