Brennan Reece @ Pleasance Courtyard

Brennan Reece displays a lot of promise in his debut Everglow.

Review by Tony Makos | 25 Aug 2016

Brennan Reece's debut is an almost unbroken autobiographical show on getting older, his family, his relationships, and how to be yourself. Reece comes across as a teenage Alan Bennett in size 26 Gap cords, delivering warm-hearted anecdotes about his mother and father in a way that belies his age and experience. There’s no doubt that some of the older members of the audience warm to his childish awe at becoming an adult and figuring out his sexuality – which cleverly remains ambiguous throughout.

There’s some real storytelling clout at work, with Reece going for the 'wide-eyed but wise beyond his years' vibe. Elements of his performance walk a fine line between funny and thought-provoking. The quality varies with this though. While it’s difficult to deny Reece's talent, it’s tough when large chunks of the monologue don’t touch the comedic heights they could and there's an awkward finish too. However, he is attempting something here with an ambition that few others are.


Brennan Reece: Everglow, Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker One), 3-28 Aug, 6pm, £6-10