Big Bobby. Little Bobby. – Project Arts Centre – First Fortnight Review

Written by Camille Lucy Ross and Kelly Shatter

Performed by Camille Lucy Ross

Directed by Kelly Shatter

Bobby has a variety of problems in her life. Her mother is an alcoholic who has dominated her life to the point of sharing her bed. Bobby inherited her grandmother’s house and is now starting to live on her own for the first time. She also has another problem, a voice in her head that won’t leave her alone. Little Bobby is the voice, a twisted inner child that has an unusual view of the world and sense of humour, making her do things that complicate her life further. The one positive in her life is Bernard, a strong and honest farmer who she has admired from afar. Bobby needs to face up to her demons, both in her head and in real life, in order to get her life back on track.

If the plot summary above sounds like a troubled night at the theatre, it is quite the opposite. Despite the subject matter, this is played mostly for laughs, with Camille Lucy Ross using her natural comic timing along with a quite witty script. Camille drifts between the various characters, as we get to meet the inhabitants of the small town. The main focus is Bobby’s relationship with her potential love interest Bernard, and their haphazard meetings. We also get an insight into her strained relationship with her mother, who returns at all hours of the night demanding her daughter partake in games of Hide and Seek and other bizarre rituals and gags. The other relationship that is explored is between the two people in Bobby’s head, big Bobby and the cruel Little Bobby, who fight for ownership of her body! There is a simple set, with a collection of furniture used to create the front room of her house. While the play itself moves quickly between settings of pubs, houses and outdoor locations, Camille narrates the scenes and lets the audience know where we are.

The ending of the play is slightly too neat for the varying addictions and neuroses that are explored. It is not the type of subject matter in which you expect to receive a happy ending, but most of the plot lines are resolved by the end of the hour long piece. The highlight of this work is definitely the performance of Camille who shows great energy and vitality, along with a delicate touch for humour. This is an impressive work that explores some unusual subject matters and deserved the praise received during its original run in the Fringe Festival.

First Fortnight presents Brazen Tales Productions BIG BOBBY. LITTLE BOBBY.

06 January 2016-09 January 2016 – Tickets €14

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyM6_qY5FTA