The Lonely One @ Underbelly

The Lonely One is an ominous presence terrorising a sleepy American town. Inspired by an excerpt from Bradbury's Dandelion Wine, the play is grimly atmospheric, relying on goose bumps generated from a lyrical script and creepy puppetry. As the audience enter the theatre, four actors stand gazing into the distance in front of four small houses which will open up to tell the story. Light boxes, torches and a distinctive art deco style are the ingredients here and the period itself is evident through accents, clothing and especially the props.

The minute detail is lovely and something of an art itself; we are treated to a puppet sucking at a cigar while another actor mimes smoke billowing from its end. As the sun sets, insects begin to chirp, children play and darkness falls over this closely-knit town. Atmosphere is everything and it is crafted into each scene, from silhouetted dogs retrieving balls to a convincing cinema with flickering lights as a Chaplin movie plays. Everything about The Lonely One is ominous and richly presented in H.P. Lovecraft style.

While the method is meticulous, the story itself lacks much substance or narrative. The somewhat stagnant plot doesn’t really go anywhere exciting or unusual, though it is told with loquacious language and heady description. This is more about theatre with atmosphere and suspense and this is does wonderfully.