This is a funny, inventive and precise one-man show that will keep you guessing and laughing.Summary
Rating
Good
When I signed up to review this show, I had never heard of Derek Mitchell; or so I thought. In my pre-show research (oh what a diligent reviewer I am, readers!) I discovered that he is in fact one of my current favourite viral YouTube stars. Apparently he’s garnered over half a BILLION views worldwide. The video shorts that I’d seen focused on hilarious cultural differences between the Dutch and the British. Mitchell grew up in Chicago, has lived in the Netherlands and the UK and is clearly a sharp observer of mannerisms, language, culture and accents.
His virtuosity and versatility is evidenced by the fact that Goblin is nothing like his online videos. This is a one-man show centred on Eliot, an emo teenager with an imaginary goblin who just wants to be loved. Mitchell is on stage in character when you enter the room and starts immediately interacting with his audience, putting them at ease, but planting seeds that will allow them to become involved in the show as it develops. Indeed, it is soon evident that we, the audience, ARE his goblin.
Mitchell’s portrayal of Eliot, complete with his physicality and keen attention to detail, creates a compelling energy from the off. Eliot’s world is populated by vibrant, eccentric characters, and the performer’s ability to bring them to life is one of the show’s strongest elements. His use of accents – particularly the way he seamlessly shifts between characters – demonstrates a skill that allows each person in Eliot’s life to stand out as distinct, even in moments of rapid-fire dialogue. It’s a testament to Mitchell’s range that he can switch between tones so effortlessly. The scene where he interacts with his mother, in particular, is outstanding.
I was impressed too with the breadth and depth of his imagination. So many emerging performers rely on autobiographical elements, but Mitchell has cast his net far and wide in weaving this story together, creating something refreshingly original and demonstrating great promise: one can only go so far in theatre by talking about yourself. Recognition is also needed here for the show’s soundscape and stage management, which help this complex work run seamlessly.
However, where Goblin falters is in its pacing. The show takes a little too long to break into its stride and to establish the world and relationships that will ultimately drive Eliot’s story. When the narrative does start to pick up speed in the final third of the piece, it accelerates too quickly, and the climax, which is by far the funniest part of the show, feels rushed and the ending too abrupt. By this point, Mitchell’s mercurial writing is giving the audience quite the rollercoaster ride, but such is the pace, it almost feels like he stops mid-sentence before the lights quickly go up and he takes his applause. It feels a little incomplete – like Mitchell has more to say, but the narrative doesn’t quite give him the space to do so.
That said, Goblin (which is showing at the Soho Theatre nightly, alternating with another work of Mitchell’s: Double Dutch) is highly surprising, engaging, hilarious and entertaining theatre that skilfully combines elements of stand-up, dramatic monologue, comedy sketch-writing and tragedy. I consider myself enough of a fan now to book for his other show before this current run closes. For those looking for a darkly comedic and nostalgic ride, there’s more than plenty here to make it worth your while too.
Written & Performed by: Derek Mitchell
Co-Created by: Derek Mitchell & Ellie BW
Dramaturgy by: Sammy Glover
Goblin plays at Soho Theatre until Saturday 19 April.
