Dunstan Bruce, currently seen fronting the magnificent Interobang!? and previously a member of the might Chumbawumba is brings his one man stage show to the Brindley Theatre in Runcorn.
Having previously fronted the anarcho-punk outfit Cumbawumba until 2012 when the split up, Dunstan then formed Interobang!? and has been seen fronting them around the country. The show, he explains as he takes the stage, describes some of the heady highs of being in a successful band and the self belief of his more youthful self that he/they could change the world for the better. Its charts the fall of his star and describes the feeling of hopelessness he encountered as he grew older before turning it around and shouting out loudly that he’s still here and he’s still doing things.
The show is Dunstan on a stage littered with a desk, and ironing board and a few other items but the main thing is the large ‘TV’ screen at the back which allows Dunstan to cut between film of say Cumbawumba at their prime or even have conversations with himself. An old fashioned prop dial phone also serves a similar function.
Both Chumbawumba and Interobang!? music fills gaps and there is some excellent use of minimalistic lighting by the director. The production is not expensive but does what they have is used well and it does not appear lacking.
He changes clothes and tack quickly and often, there are moments where it’s feels like a stand up routine (briefly) and occasions were he delivers a heartfelt message about love. There are no dull moments, the breakneck pace continues almost to the end when a reflective mood takes over and we get to the core meaning of the show.
Well worth an hour of anyones time, enlightening, funny (very funny), and tells a riveting story.
Words: Richie Yates. Photos: Richie Yates/Adrian Wharton
Links:
Dunstan Bruce Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dunstan.bruce
Am I Invisible Yet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amiinvisibleyet