Adam Gillen is wonderful in Radio | review

Al Smith’s Radio at the Arcola Theatre in Dalston tells the story of Charlie Fairbanks Jr (played by Adam Gillen), a middle American who was born in the dead centre of the 20th century, at the geographical centre of the US.

Adam Gillen gives us an energetic and compelling performance of Kansas born Charlie in this one-man play. The character is very likeable and yet gullible. His animated narration comes to life through a variety of different American accents, as he performs as many different characters.

One could compare his character to that of Forest Gump. He shares a certain childlike, unassuming idealistic innocence throughout the play as he lives through many notable points in US history at the time the play is set.

Growing up at a time when the cold war with Russia was going on, people were going to the moon, JFK was president, Charlie lives somewhat in his own world where he wants to be an astronaut and plays out that fantasy. He ends up enlisting for the Vietnam War as he naively assumes this will help him in his quest.

Sophie Thomas’ minimalistic stage design of suspended wires look like the wiring in an old radio or a hammock. This supports the notion that Charlie’s make-believe world accompanied by his endless listening to what is happening on the radio.

Peter Small’s lighting gives us a Lunar-esque quality to the staging. It acts as a visual representation of the space travel aspirations the main character.

The play is all about believing in this elusive myth that is “The American Dream” that invariably Charlie falls short of this.

A very sweet enjoyable must-see, Radio at Arcola Theatre runs until 13 July.