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Mettle

 
Susanne Crosby Review by Susanne Crosby 3 Published: 3 May 2025 Grania Dean Studio (Lantern Theatre @ ACT) Show Dates: 2 May 2025-4 May 2025

Nicholas Collett tells a moving true story of his father, who served in the Royal Navy during the second world war, almost as an oral history encounter in this one-person show. Using models and simple props such as his sister’s dolls’ house, complete with little figurines, or a whisky bottle that later becomes a submarine, he recounts how his father first opened up about his wartime experiences.

An interesting piece, told with true feeling, about a time that is slipping from living memory

The first half of the show moves very quickly - sometimes a little too quickly - between different time periods as Collett tells an intertwined story of his childhood and his father’s life. The second half is where it comes alive, as he recounts, with palpable emotion, his father’s service on board HMS Vanessa, including a detailed retelling of a significant encounter.

As a piece of theatre, this is very measured and well rehearsed. There are impactful moments of real quality, but the tempo rarely changes, giving it a slightly lecture-like quality. Collett is also quite open about his agenda to ensure these stories are remembered – a laudable aim – though the ending is clearly designed to elicit a particular emotional response.

Overall, this is an interesting piece, told with true feeling, about a time that is slipping from living memory. Worth an hour of your time.

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The Blurb:

“Mettle” - a true story Written and performed by Nicholas Collett and directed by Gavin Robertson. Award-winning solo performer Nicholas Collett (British Arrows Best Actor, Special Performance Award World Duo Festival, Seoul South Korea, Best Theatre Award Adelaide Fringe 2023) tells the story of his father’s service during the Atlantic Convoys of World War Two. A true odyssey, that takes us from Sheffield to Liverpool to Nova Scotia, Boston to West Africa and home again, amidst the constant threat of U-Boat attack and treacherous weather. Physical theatre and storytelling, with a dramatic soundscape and 40’s music, this is a tribute to those who served, those who were lost – and those who lived to tell their story. In association with the Daparian Foundation - committed to those on trauma journeys, supporting veterans and blue lights personnel.