Dragon I

Dragon I is a show written by and starring Adam Kelly. Adam Kelly is obsessed with dragons and has written (an unpublished) book series featuring his favourite creations. In this hour-long play, co-written with director James Berlyn, and collaborator Jade Del Borrello, Adam ponders what would happen if he let AI finish his book series.

Very clever conceptually, Adam is a dynamic performer with clear enthusiasm for his work, and his obvious joy at moments in the performance is palpable. Co-performer Jade Del Borrello is the perfect companion, clever and personable - and playing an AI version of herself to great effect but letting Adam retain the drivers’ seat and starring role.

The production features three screens on which the audience creates a new dragon for each performance, in our case a large dragon with four legs and wings, named Fluffy, and we are treated to the work of Adam’s illustrator Ben Hollingsworth via the talents of animator Jude McAueley. The production is supported by composition by Candice Susnjar and clever lighting designed by Peter Young.

Adam works his audience well and tells a good story. My only disappointment- and it was a big one, is that Adam read from his script frequently throughout. This cuts into our suspension of disbelief - it’s hard to swallow the words “this has never happened before” when it is read from the page, and it cuts off his connection with the audience. If a script is needed (and I think it possibly could just be discarded), could not a fourth screen be used as teleprompter behind the audience? - A big expense, but one that would probably lift the show tenfold.

Great to see a show that embraces Autistic quirks and features a performer/creator with Autism - a night of dragon fun.

Kimberley Shaw