* "What a tour de force. You took us on such a journey. We went with you all the way. And you will remain with us. Stunning." (Brighton Fringe audience member on "The Father Monologues")
Jonathan Brown's performance of the 'Father Monologues' took the form of two one man soliloquies. I saw Jenny's story, a tale of a person having undergone 'gender reclassification' who resolves a custody battle over her son via a Shakespearian performance in a library. The show is beautifully performed and exquisitely written and Jenny's voice is articulately conveyed and precisely observed. The show is funny in the right places and thought provoking throughout exploring parent/child relationships, sex and sexuality, love and self discovery. There is a huge writing and acting talent at work here - the show was one of the stand-out nights of the 2007 Brighton Fringe and deserves to play to a wider audience. Nick Stockman. Brighton Fringe Manager
"We were both really impressed with both the script and the performance. You are a wonderful, wonderful storyteller and totally captivated us. I thought you managed the multiple characters with elegance and the physical and vocal characterisation was very strong. I loved the humour, the darkness, the dange...rous territories and the power of the message. I felt in that intimate space we were seeing you unravel a part of your soul....wish you every success for the rest of the run. I hope many people come to see it, for their benefit as well as yours." Anita Sullivan, Playwright.
Simply outstanding! From the outset this piece was compelling. Jonathan is a consummate actor and held the audience single-handedly in awe with his amazing multi-characterisations.
impeccably acted, completely convincing... Without going into the fine detail of Jonathan's writing, the story is both extremely amusing and profoundly sad.....every nuance of this issue examined with finesse and intelligence. I can not praise this performance enough. From the very evident skill of Jonathan as an actor to the profundity and humour of his writing. I was not surprised to read he was a 2007 nominee for the Brighton Fringe, rightly so. This work was extraordinary and compelling and his other work will undoubtedly be so. A huge talent. Highly recommended. Extract of a Review of "Licence" by Journalist Ian Reuben...We really enjoyed your show last night. I have never seen an actor work so hard and so effectively as you did in bringing your characters to life and subjecting them and us to the ensuing mayhem. To create grotesques like Ronnie and Brenda, and to bring us to the edge of tears with Teddy's need for affection, was a wonderful achievement. Thanks,Strat Mastoris (director, photographer, lighting designer)
The characters were so strong. I was drawn in and captivated more for the one-man show than had other actors been present. Funny and thought provoking at once. Thank you! Dr Richard McDermot, Brighton.
A very dynamic and moving performance - immensely watch able. Tamsin, Brighton.
A beautiful piece and fantastic acting. This piece has really helped me with where I stand in my life and I have really connected with it, from father and son, to my own addictive nature. This has really touched me, and you have really helped me, so I thank you and good luck with the future. Well done!!!!! James MacNamara, Brighton.
A wonderful performance and play. A roller coaster of emotion - visceral and sensitive. Very poignant for modern Britain! - sobering - cheers!
I was definitely in there with all of you - ducking the flying glass. Fantastically acted/crafted. Anon, Brighton.
Brilliant show! Catherine Bishop, Brighton.
Honest, insightful and one of the best pieces of theatre I have seen for a long time. Aidan Pettit, Brighton.
Gripping story line told with power and charm. Well done! Sarah Leaver, Brighton.
Intense!! Really enjoyed it and felt challenged too. Sarah, Brighton.
Bloody Marvellous. Really enjoyed it and you were marvellous - gripping. P. Tamkin, Brighton.
Fantastic! How great this was… I will definitely come and see more by you. Nadia Edmond, Brighton
Thanks very much. Anon, Brighton
Was very gripped all the way through. Thanks. Easy to visualise, to be there, shapes, smells, great! And glad to be softened by the end - phew! Maggie, Brighton.
Outstanding Again, Jonathan. Thank you. Sarah Charlton, East Grinstead.
Great! We are so pleased we have finally managed to see a performance. Amanda, East Grinstead. (Amanda brought herself and 6 others again to see the same show in Brighton)
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Mary, East Grinstead.
Amazing performance and writing. J Bloom. East Grinstead.
The Best yet! Anon, Glastonbury
Thanks so much. What a wonderful and creative thing to bring into the world. Nick, Glastonbury.Very accurate - what so many people do to block out the scary thoughts! Well portrayed - the escapism, the alcohol industry… Impressive physicality and pace. At first I didn't enjoy watching it, the characters were grating. But throughout the okay I realised how accurate it was to the pub world that I had been a part of and escaped. By the end I was emotionally drawn in and moved. Meg Price, Brighton.
Really Good. Well written, acted, lights, and music. Snappy pace made the slower bits more poignant, Crispin, Brighton
Amazing to watch how such a rock bottom can bring about such a positive change. Great show. Thank you so much. Hannah Brain, Brighton.
Some recent reviews for Licence on http://www.allthefestivals.com
***** Licence is a must see. Jonathan Brown is a captivating story teller who draws you into the world of the Landlord, Bernie. Well written, well performed and a fantastic piece of theatre. Jonathan Brown is funny, moving and extremely talented. One to watch. Amanda Ashley
***** Jonathan Brown seems to really have that licence to tell intoxicating tales - how one person can make an entire cast of characters come alive and completely draw you into a story remains a mystery to me. Brilliant writing married to breathtaking performance! Annika Buettner
***** I saw this show in Lewes and I thought it was astounding. Licence is brilliant- Jonathan is an amazingly good actor- my husband and I completely believed in all the different characters he presented, which left us free to enjoy the engaging story. I am, quite honestly, very fussy about theatre and haven't rated many of the things I have seen over the last few years but this show made me laugh AND moved me, and I left feeling different. A great achievement and well worth seeing- I am going again! Sally Miller
***** Jonathan Brown's writing is spot-on and is superbly coupled with his outstanding performance skills, which allow an extended cast of characters to be brought alive on stage by a singular actor. The best of it's type (although License is probably more accurately in its own league.) An exceptional performance - must be seen to be believed. Fiona Mulvihill
***** Great show!! I saw a part of it in a preview and was gripped. Looking forward to fining out how the little boy gets on...Jonathan's acting is amazing - he changes from one character to another with ease and grace :) nadia franchi
***** A whirlwind performance. Poignant, Funny and damn clever. Tamsin Fraser
About The Father Monologues:
* "Absolutely fantastic! A powerful, tender and hilariously animated/(executed?) portrayal of one man's struggle to come to terms with fatherhood. I loved the way in which Jonathan utilized his minimal props, voice and actions to bring the different characters to life. Was there really only one person doing the whole show?! Totally absorbing." Maya Preece, Dragonsfly.
* "Stunningly good." Pat, Brighton.
* "What an absolutely amazing performance. What talent!!! I'm quite mind-blown by the whole performance. How can one man do all of that!? Put me on your mailing list and let me know when you are next performing please." Margaret Barnes.
* "I was rapt from the start of Part 1 to the end of Part 2. It was brilliant and left me so much to think about." Kirsten Bjeregaard.
* Funny and deeply touching ~ I was completely riveted. Excellent! Best theatre show I have seen in years. Please inform me when you perform next. Thank you! Ruth, Totnes.
* "Jonathan, touched, awed by the energy and love you showed us Danny with. I loved it. Love to you, you crazy wild tender man. Jo.
* "A wonderful, energetic, sensitive performance and so well observed. Thank you for the uncomfortable feelings!" Sally.
* "Hear, hear! Very, very skilled portrayal of the characters and extraordinary experiences of someone being woken up to their potential. Very moving, very funny." Anthea.
* "Very, very impressive acting" Mark,
* Mind-boggling Genius!! Funny, Touching. Nick
* "Just watched Danny. . .moved and mesmerised by your performance, and your writing Jonathan. When Danny {is shamed into exclusion} I felt my tears rise, and the {birthing} scene is brilliant, and Barry. . . beautiful. Well done you. Well done Ali. Tremendous." Olly.
* "Love happy endings. Thankyou." Virginia, Brighton.
* "...performed with such intensity and sensitivity. The {birthing} was great, and I was gripped by the characters and the telling of the story. I was also very moved. You've done yourself proud, well done and may you be recognised for it." Kirsty
* "Wonderful. Deeply moving. Fell in love with Danny. What a hero!" Andy
* A feast of good writing and classy acting."Agata.
* "Complex issues woven into a compelling performance with many shades and tones." John
* "I was surprised, entertained. I enjoyed your characters, facial expressions and physical embodiment. I loved it all, YOU WERE / ARE GREAT." Vince
* "I sat the whole time ~ R.A.P.T. ~ Rapt. Very moving character and incredible embodiment. Surprising how convincing you are as a woman. (And. . . ) I was so utterly convinced by your Danny, BY Danny in fact. So nuanced, that's what makes the transformation complete for me. You're so bloody talented man!!! Thank you for expressing it so unabashedly." Alia.
* "Sounds corny but I was so impressed with your performance, and it has been the highlight of the festival." Gail, Brighton.
Jonathan Brown's The Father Monologues ~ Part 2 is a demanding vehicle for the actor. The father of the piece defies conventional expectations of what constitutes paternity and to persuade an audience to empathise with the character requires a great deal of theatrical skill.
The play, which premiered at the Phoenix project in Glastonbury July 2006, is an absorbing hour or so of a drama, which amuses and confuses in equal measure. It is a credit to author, performer, director Jonathan Brown that he has created a theatrical experience, which enables its audience to explore their own feelings about what constitutes masculinity. I hope it will be widely seen.
Liz Beech, Artistic Director - The PHOENIX project, Glastonbury
The Father Monologues Part 1, a powerful piece that leaves the audience wanting more. It is an emotional journey that includes humour, pathos and pain as the main character comes to terms with his life and his personal choices. It was a superb performance by actor, writer, director Jonathan Brown whose eye for detail, ability to change character and witty dialogue kept his audience enthralled to the end.
Charlie Dearden, Centre Director, Bridgwater Arts Centre
(On seeing Part 1 Charlie booked Part 2)
HM3: Next up, a newer discovery that we reckon deserves an honourable mention. We ThreeWeeks editors know what its like being producer, performer and playwright all at the same time (well, one of us does), which is why we are giving a nod to Jonathan Brown, who has been performing all three of those roles in his 'Father Monologues' which have been performed at The Clermont Church. We've been hearing lots of great things about this great project, and we wish Brown all the best in his future producing, performing and playwriting - whether he's doing one at a time, or all three at once.
A few more (anonymous) words
* Talented writing and performing. Really enjoyed the intimate staging. Thought provoking without hitting with a sledgehammer!
* "Fab performance, excellent script. Very Funny. Thanks."
* " A very talented man. Most enjoyable."
* "A brilliant gender bender tonight. Let us know about part 3."
* The humour weaving in with the pathos that gave the first half a great appeal, moved in the second half to something more solidly serious.
* Wonderfully rich and dark characters. I think you carry it off exceptionally well. It must have been intense!
* Excellent artistic piece as an audience we were taken on a journey, from light hearted to deeply thought-provoking, with a good twist at the end!
* Fantastic performance full of highs and lows. Wonderful.
* An extraordinary ability to maintain the intensity up to the very last.
* Moving and great versatility of expression.
* Thanks for an excellent performance, very intense, funny at times and always moving.
* "Very enjoyable"
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