REVIEW

Mark Thomas - The Red Shed, The Point, Eastleigh

Solidarity solidarity, for together in the union we're strong.

Mark Thomas' latest show is based around his experience - real or embellished over time - of hearing the famous union anthem sung by a group of schoolchildren to their brothers, uncles and fathers during a miners marchback during the strikes of 1985.

Our comrade in comedy uses this to explore the importance of truth in our stories and how we must hold firm to this narrative in order to achieve real victories in the political realm.

The Red Shed is a show to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Wakefield's Labour club of the same name - the place Mark experienced his political awakening as a drama student in Yorkshire amid the crises and tragedies of the miners' strikes.

The London-born performer's unique style never fails to simultaneously tug at the political heartstrings, before bringing you right back up with riotous hilarity. Audience interaction and participation made for an experiential and immersive show - we were transported into the heart of Yorkshire in the Red Shed itself, even all rising to our feet to sing the club anthem - to the tune of The Red Flag - which apparently didn't go down quite as well during a tour date in Cheltenham.

Mark's innovative approach to theatrical comedy places you at the heart of the story before pulling you right back out to make a stark political point to finish - the horrific state that the working class, particularly in the north of England have been left to fend for themselves to the extent that a pensioner is left in tears lamenting the loss of the local pound shop.

Another incredibly thought-provoking performance from Mark Thomas.

Tom Dale