At Riverside Studios in London, Ted Walliker is taking a punt on something big – literally, as he attempts to merge stand-up comedy and dark drama in his latest one-man show, 'Ron'. The theatrical gamble pays off in flashes of brilliance, but ultimately falters under the weight of its own ambition. With Walliker at the helm as writer, co-director, set designer, and lighting/sound expert, you'd expect a production that's been thoroughly thought through – yet 'Ron' feels like a work-in-progress, with some of the most interesting ideas struggling to gel.
The show begins promisingly enough, with Walliker's character Tony launching into a cringe-worthy stand-up routine. When that bombs, he abandons ship and hurtles into a Tarantino-esque odyssey of violence, mayhem, and, yes, cannibalism – all in the name of a night out with his mate Mike. It's a frenetic ride, full of twists and turns that keep you on your toes. But while Walliker's performance is undeniably assured, there's something naggingly familiar about it – like watching a friend who can really tell jokes, but doesn't quite get the punchline.
The problem lies in the way the show tries to do too much at once. The initial stand-up frame is quickly jettisoned, replaced by a narrative that veers wildly from McDonald's hijinks to gruesome gangster capers. It's like watching a Formula 1 driver trading in his sleek sports car for a dodgy old clunker – you want to see what he can do, but it just doesn't feel right.
Walliker's creative workload is undoubtedly impressive – he's co-directed with Lev Govorovski and even designed the lighting and sound. And when it works, it really works: that set reveal, for example, is a showstopper, hinting at a story that's both immersive and deeply personal. But as 'Ron' lumbers on, you start to feel like you're watching a magician who's forgotten his tricks – all flash, no substance.
So what lies beneath the bravura performance? Well, reviewers suggest it's time for Walliker to take a step back, regroup, and give Tony some actual depth. We want to understand why he's running from himself, not just watching him run wild. With 'Ron', we see glimpses of something truly special – but right now, it feels like that elusive punchline is still out there, waiting to be landed.