Overview
There's a Bluebird inside my heart but I tell it to shut up, anchors itself to Charles Bukowski's famous poem Bluebird, and offers a mixed bag of hauntingly dark, yet amusing scenes. Like a ransom note cutout from a lot of different magazines. Only funnier. Neatly put, this is a play about sex, alcohol and a bluebird.
As we ascended the graffiti-lined stairs of the Basement Theatre, there was an air of excitement amongst the audience members. Perhaps it was the promising title, which made it difficult to predict what scenes would unfold as the evening progressed. Blue lights turned on and actor Mick Innes recited Bukowski's famous poem. "There is a blue bird in my heart and it wants to get out".
This play, divided into 15 separate scenes, is the fruit of a collaboration work. Thirteen writers were asked to write scenes based on the effect the poem had on them. The result is series of funny/dramatic/funny moments, with not much physical connection but a lot of subtext. This stage play revolves around the common themes of insecurities, aspirations and faded romance. It offers a looking glass into the lives of colourful characters, which are tormented as they are insightful. Don't let it scare you though, some of the scenes are as funny as they are original.
On stage, the actors let fly a range of emotions and everyday situations, although sometimes deprived. The scenes range from a conversation about plum sauce (funny) to a prison-visit-turned-sensual (hilarious). So the playing field was plenty even. A praise to Nic Sampson and his crowd-pleasing portrait of a Sean Connery type character, with a hint of Hemingway-esque storytelling ability. And he drinks red wine. Nothing exceeds like excess. However, the play often veers towards social clichés, such as the sexual escapades of once upon a time lovers, and the loveless-love of marriage. Several scenes resemble 70's, B-type Hollywood movies that were long forgotten and for a good reason. Oddly enough, as the blue lights faded and a new scene started, we were left yearning for more.
What's the verdict? An enjoyable night of short stories. Although some of the scenes feel out of place and borderline redundant, the vibe of the show is a vibrant one and one that is more than likely to put a smile on your face.