Quincy is a single mum. Facing the difficulties and problems that come along with two young boys looking to be provided with food, love and support. Making those journeys to the school gates, keeping up with the grandparents. Fair enough? Oh yes, and Quincy is a large, muscular Afro-Caribbean man, a self-proclaimed geezer.
This is billed as comedy, but could just of easily have been one-man theatre, as a strong narrative is developed throughout. The tiny Wee Room in the Gilded Balloon helps Quincy create a strong rapport with the audience, and takes you on a journey with him. Indeed, this did make me wonder if the narrative might be even more effective if the show focussed developing that story, rather than looking for the laughs. Some of it is laugh-out-loud funny, other parts are deeply moving, and some provokes wry smiles. His observations on the etiquette of hugging, for example, are well developed and well delivered.
At a time when men with absent fathers in Britain seem to be getting a hard time from politicians of all hues, this is heartening and heart warming stuff. If youre looking for a change from the normal stand up routines, try Quincy, but be prepared for the downs as well as the ups.
