Ted Walliker's new play, Ron, at Riverside Studios, London, begins as a standup comedy set but quickly spirals into a violent, Tarantino-esque odyssey. The performer's deliberate breakdown onstage is meant to be the centerpiece, but the show's broader ambitions fall short.
A Promising Premise
The play opens with bumbling posh-boy comedian Tony, played by Walliker, struggling to get laughs. Desperate, he adopts a tougher persona and launches into a gruesome story about his best friend Mike. The narrative careens through a night of pulled-off faces and cannibalism, with only occasional nods to the audience to remind them this is supposed to be a comedy set.
Missed Opportunities
While Walliker's performance is assured, the show lacks emotional depth. The audience barely gets to know Tony, and there is little incentive to uncover the root of his derangement. The play's creative elements, including a striking set reveal, hint at a story coming to life, but the narrative feels disjointed.
Walliker has taken on a gargantuan task, writing, performing, co-directing, and designing the set and costumes. However, the show would benefit from letting the audience feel what Tony is running from, rather than just watching him run.
Ron runs at Riverside Studios, London, until 5 July.
