Singer/songwriter, Gideon, played by Darren Day, has become weary battling with HIV and his failing medications. He decides that the time has come for him to take control and end the fight. He gathers some of his closest friends, and a stand-in backing singer (Buddy) to record one last heartfelt recording to his partner the night before he plans to take his life, unbeknownst to them. One could assume Last Session be quite a dour affair due to its subject matter, but I was proven to be very wrong.
The beginning is a touch slow but that soon changes dramatically with the introduction of some exuberant characters, especially Tryshia, played by Lucy Vandi. Darren Day plays the lead of Gideon in a very understated way, seated behind a keyboard through much of the show, remaining expertly empathic throughout whilst delivering a powerful performance. The pain that Gideon and his partner experience from diagnosis, trips to group counseling sessions and the medication minefield are expressed through various well-performed musical numbers.
The whole cast have a chance to shine vocally at some point, and all are equally easy on the ear, with perhaps bumbling, bible bashing, southerner Buddy, played by A J Dean, standing out from the crowd, especially whilst performing ‘Going it Alone’ and ‘Friendly Fire’.
The show is balanced out well with good humour, and a few cracking one-liners too, delivered by grumpy sound engineer Jim, played by Ron Emslie and man-eating serial monogamist, Vicki, played by Simone Craddock, adding the perfect light relief.
The narrative of the show is strong and still strikes a very emotional chord, even in this modern age of combination therapy. If you’re not moved at any point then I’d seriously question your emotional make up! The most moving performance is without doubt the musical number, ‘The Group’.
It is a stark and poignantly descriptive portrayal of each person’s individual back story at a support group. The language and emotion used by Gideon, Tryshia and Vicki is perfect and you’ll certainly relate to this if you’ve ever attended any type of support group yourself or with a friend. It was, indeed, the highlight of the show for me.
Ultimately, a bigger stage and audience is what this show needs and deserves.
• Tristan Bates Theatre, 1A Tower Street, Leicester Square, WC2H 9NP
• Runs to Saturday 27th October. £18.00, £16.00 concs. Performances evenings: Tues–Fri 7.30pm and Sat 8pm. Matinees: Sat & Sun 3pm.
• Box office: 020 7240 6283. www.tristanbatestheatre.co.uk or www.climarproductions.com
