Isaac Andrews
Everyone’s Got An Errol opens on the Dome Theatre stage at BATS. It’s a quiet tuesday night and there’s nothing in particular that stands out when I walk into theatre. There’s a yellow and green lighting wash (Sophie Bradwick) and cheesy pop tunes ring out - that of a 14 year old's birthday party in the early 2010s. There’s a few chairs and a table, and two cartoonish looking handmade props: a giant glue bottle and a pronounced ‘FIRE’ alarm button on the wall. I sit alongside a couple friends who I have bumped into and we think: sounds like a cool show, fun concept, should be good. I couldn’t have been more naïve to the sheer brilliance that underlies the show - Errol. Who is Errol? Let me give you my take.
The show largely plays out as a detailed day-in-the-life of Errol (Brandon Entwistle) and his inner group of friends and co-workers; forming a tight band of misfits. All three actors play two characters each, in which they use a piece of clothing or prop to signify a transition between person. Every step along the way in this documentative-narrative we learn a little more about Errol’s quirky interactions, self-esteem and perhaps most excitingly, his developing courage. We witness the disheartening ramifcations of Errol’s compliant nature, and his mission to overcome his more passive obligations. We also learn that it’s not always the best thing to be so self-assured, as it can lead to presumptious behaviour. If I’m honest, the story passed me by a little. And it’s not a writer’s fault either, I found I was so entranced by the character’s detailed personas, I was rather swept away by their interactions and responses to one another.
As he’s first presented us, Errol appears to be a fairly unassuming, young guy. He’s sporting a corny Simpson’s T-shirt, pants and crocs, a superbly juvenile fit. His replies are succinct at first, perfectly agreeable and honest, though we soon get an idea of how delightfully useless and dull Errol is. He carries a distinct angst throughout the show, subversed from what you may from an adolescent; rather than well-versed exclamations, Errol’s interjections are simple and straightforward. Rather than engage in a battle of wits, Errol will put up a drab, colorless wall, and bounce off others without expending excess effort. What a brilliant character. Errol is terrifically unhelpful at the best of times and in his neutral state, he’s got the ‘light-on-but-no-one’s-home’ look.
At every point along the journey, it feels as though the characters take the longest, windiest scenic route; some parts are a simple litany and I absolutely loved every moment. It’s the polar opposite of a functioning friend group, and it’s very reminiscent of the mates I had in earlier schooling years. Brandon, Brock and Ryan never shy away from an exciting, explosive reaction or response to each other’s words, and they burst at the seams with insecurity, making it very easy to rile one another up.
Errol’s associated hobbies include “yo-yo, aux cord and musical chairs”, and what might an Errol and his mate cook up? “Nuggets, chips, fish-fingers”. Love these descriptions, giving the audience a really clear glimpse of their capabilities as a group. From what I’m gathering, Errol probably doesn’t drive, and couldn’t cook an egg, but he’s just as much a part of the group as anyone else.
As a part of their marketing blurb, the team exclaim: “Oh and if you don’t know the Errol in your life, you might be the Errol in your life.” Now, listen here. I really like nuggets. And musical chairs. And crocs! Drat! It seems I’ve identified with Errol before the show’s even gotten going! I think the quiet versatility of Errol speaks volumes to the audience, I would argue everyone’s got a little bit of Errol inside them, whether it’s just feeling a bit useless or not always being able to stand up for yourself, there are many parts to Errol’s unique attitudes and personality that I find really quite endearing.
Brandon does a fantastic job keeping us grounded with his character throughout. Errol’s interactions are sincere, albeit sometimes misguided or gregarious, and we root for him on his quest to finally stand up for himself. Brandon’s transformations between his two characters Errol and Peter are seamless and work at times to create real tension and suspends our disbelief.
Brock Oliver is an expert in duality. The contrast between his two characters Carter and David are stark, and feel as though they are played by two different actors. Incredible mahi here, and with his use of body language, tone inflections and proximity between the other performers. Brock’s portrayal of either character feels genuine and are extremely convincing.
Ryan Holtham is the glue that holds the other two together. He’s more staunch of the three, and also shows great versatility between his characters Richard and Duane. Whilst the other two argue or get distracted, Ryan pulls us right back on track. I really enjoyed the physicality of either character here and the whirlwind of facial expressions pulled were very entertaining.
When the three come together, it’s mayhem. And then it’s calm and monotonous. And then it’s chaos once again. We’re taken on such a roller coaster of social ineptness and every pregnant pause and moment of awkwardness only works to reinforce their clumsy sociality. The show plays by as a fly-on-the-wall experience as if we were watching Errol and co. in their natural habitat. This review would be incomplete without mention Aimee Dredge who plays a supporting role, the bagman. This is a superb mentor character that encourages Errol on his path, with an epic training sequence which I just absolutely adored. I found myself really wanting to cheer Errol on. Amazing performance from Aimee.
All in all, this show is great an answering “Who is Errol?”, and even better at asking: “Who is Errol in your life?” It’s a unique story, with fantastically quirky characters and a well-written, upbeat plot. I had a pleasure attending this show and will continue to contemplate if perhaps I am indeed an Errol.
As he’s first presented us, Errol appears to be a fairly unassuming, young guy. He’s sporting a corny Simpson’s T-shirt, pants and crocs, a superbly juvenile fit. His replies are succinct at first, perfectly agreeable and honest, though we soon get an idea of how delightfully useless and dull Errol is. He carries a distinct angst throughout the show, subversed from what you may from an adolescent; rather than well-versed exclamations, Errol’s interjections are simple and straightforward. Rather than engage in a battle of wits, Errol will put up a drab, colorless wall, and bounce off others without expending excess effort. What a brilliant character. Errol is terrifically unhelpful at the best of times and in his neutral state, he’s got the ‘light-on-but-no-one’s-home’ look.
At every point along the journey, it feels as though the characters take the longest, windiest scenic route; some parts are a simple litany and I absolutely loved every moment. It’s the polar opposite of a functioning friend group, and it’s very reminiscent of the mates I had in earlier schooling years. Brandon, Brock and Ryan never shy away from an exciting, explosive reaction or response to each other’s words, and they burst at the seams with insecurity, making it very easy to rile one another up.
Errol’s associated hobbies include “yo-yo, aux cord and musical chairs”, and what might an Errol and his mate cook up? “Nuggets, chips, fish-fingers”. Love these descriptions, giving the audience a really clear glimpse of their capabilities as a group. From what I’m gathering, Errol probably doesn’t drive, and couldn’t cook an egg, but he’s just as much a part of the group as anyone else.
As a part of their marketing blurb, the team exclaim: “Oh and if you don’t know the Errol in your life, you might be the Errol in your life.” Now, listen here. I really like nuggets. And musical chairs. And crocs! Drat! It seems I’ve identified with Errol before the show’s even gotten going! I think the quiet versatility of Errol speaks volumes to the audience, I would argue everyone’s got a little bit of Errol inside them, whether it’s just feeling a bit useless or not always being able to stand up for yourself, there are many parts to Errol’s unique attitudes and personality that I find really quite endearing.
Brandon does a fantastic job keeping us grounded with his character throughout. Errol’s interactions are sincere, albeit sometimes misguided or gregarious, and we root for him on his quest to finally stand up for himself. Brandon’s transformations between his two characters Errol and Peter are seamless and work at times to create real tension and suspends our disbelief.
Brock Oliver is an expert in duality. The contrast between his two characters Carter and David are stark, and feel as though they are played by two different actors. Incredible mahi here, and with his use of body language, tone inflections and proximity between the other performers. Brock’s portrayal of either character feels genuine and are extremely convincing.
Ryan Holtham is the glue that holds the other two together. He’s more staunch of the three, and also shows great versatility between his characters Richard and Duane. Whilst the other two argue or get distracted, Ryan pulls us right back on track. I really enjoyed the physicality of either character here and the whirlwind of facial expressions pulled were very entertaining.
When the three come together, it’s mayhem. And then it’s calm and monotonous. And then it’s chaos once again. We’re taken on such a roller coaster of social ineptness and every pregnant pause and moment of awkwardness only works to reinforce their clumsy sociality. The show plays by as a fly-on-the-wall experience as if we were watching Errol and co. in their natural habitat. This review would be incomplete without mention Aimee Dredge who plays a supporting role, the bagman. This is a superb mentor character that encourages Errol on his path, with an epic training sequence which I just absolutely adored. I found myself really wanting to cheer Errol on. Amazing performance from Aimee.
All in all, this show is great an answering “Who is Errol?”, and even better at asking: “Who is Errol in your life?” It’s a unique story, with fantastically quirky characters and a well-written, upbeat plot. I had a pleasure attending this show and will continue to contemplate if perhaps I am indeed an Errol.