THE LONELY MAN Cabaret Fringe Festival La Bohème Until 13 Mar 2012 Review by Kelly Mildenhall This is a lovely, slow-burning cabaret show that explores the theme of loneliness. Jamie Jewell is The Lonely Man, a downtrodden tramp reflecting on his life through song and soliloquy. This show provides a peek into a broken man’s world, where Jewell is downright engaging. He is Edward Scissorhands-esque at times, with his big eyes and chalky makeup, as well as a vulnerability that an audience can empathise with. La Boheme’s intimacy is deliciously appropriate for this show. There is just enough room to pack in the dusty shelves and crates that make up the man’s dwelling, which is peppered with dead flowers in tins and suitcases full of forgotten treasures. Director David Jobling has worked the space effectively, in which Jewell collects miscellany from nooks and crannies to attach to his threadbare clothing. Jewell’s vocal ability is impressive, and we learn his story through the range of songs and genres incorporated. He opens with Queen’s ‘The Show Must Go On’ and later moves on to ‘Where is Love?’ from “Oliver”. It is moving to hear such well-known songs within a new framework, and Jewell is adept at doing such songs justice whilst also evoking sympathy. Jewell totally reinvents ‘Over the Rainbow’, to goose-bump proportions – which is no easy task. At one point, a short poetic soliloquy seems mildly cumbersome and out of place, though this is fleeting and as is the case with all the bits and bobs on stage, it serves a purpose. Pianist Carol Young is a wonderfully subtle presence, complementing Jewell’s fragility; his simple appeal to an audience member to cat-sit is delightful. It would be remiss to consider “The Lonely Man” as just another cabaret show. This is a haunting and multilayered piece that is not intended to be a piece of pure entertainment, though it certainly does entertain. “The Lonely Man” is really a piece of art that requires much thought and understanding, and you will get more out of it the more you mull it over. Do show it the respect it deserves. Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)