Birmingham-based Wax & Wane Theatre Company‘s production of Steven Berkoff’s one-act play ‘Harry’s Christmas’ opens on 5th December and runs until 6th December at the Crescent Theatre in Brindleyplace.
First performed in 1985, but still wholly relevant today, Berkoff’s play takes place over the five days leading up to 25th December. The titular Harry struggles to cope with his loneliness as the pressure mounts to feel love, friendship, or any meaningful human connection.
Actor Tom Lowde takes on the role of Harry in this ambitious one-man show, but Lowde is no stranger to a monologue. Earlier this year he directed a pair of them for the Crescent Theatre Company’s production of ‘Snatches: Moments from Women’s Lives’ and in 2023 he performed ‘The Man on the Platform’ as part of ‘Queers.’
Lowde says: “The topic of mental health and loneliness is of particular importance to me. I am honoured to have the chance to bring Harry to life.”
Spotlighting difficult and sensitive stories may be Lowde’s calling card now, but he first became hooked on performing extended monologues for another reason: “When I was much younger, I once won an award at the Royal Wotton Bassett Performing Arts Festival. I was very excited as I got to meet the Mayor!”
Whether the current Mayor of Birmingham attends Lowde’s latest performance remains to be seen, but those who do purchase a ticket will be supporting a good cause as all of the profits will be donated to Samaritans.
Last December, Samaritans volunteers answered approximately 30,000 phone calls, with feelings of loneliness and isolation being among the main reasons for calls placed. As one volunteer said last year: “At Christmas time, feelings of loneliness and despair are heightened, especially on Christmas Day when the emphasis is on families being together as portrayed on television and in the ads. That image can magnify those feelings. People can be overwhelmed.”
‘Harry’s Christmas’ directed by Steph Urquhart examines these all too common feelings keenly and unflinchingly and is recommended for those aged 14 and above.
Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123.
LISTING
Venue: The Crescent Theatre, 20 Sheepcote Street, Brindleyplace, Birmingham B16 8AE
To Book: Harry’s Christmas
Running Time: 75 mins (approx.)
Dates: Fri 5th to Sat 6th December
Times: 7:15pm (Fri), 2:15pm and 7:15pm (Sat)
Tickets: £10.80
All profits will be donated to Samaritans