This one-man show is worth seeing purely for the energy and presence of Sam Bowden, its writer and star. The Old Fitz theatre space, downstairs from an excellent pub of the same name and consistently bold and ambitious in its programming, is a perfect fit for this rambling show. “Don’t Panic! (It’s Happened Before)” is closer to a three-drinks-deep conversation than traditional theatre piece, but holds the house’s attention (with both some risky commentary and excellent comedy) for the entire journey.
Bowden doesn’t leave the stage at any point, and in the opening fifteen minutes it feels miraculous that he can catch his breath. Even the premise is ambitious; we begin with the history of human kind and speed-run to the unknowable (and somehow predictable) future. His physicality elevates this show from being an unusual stand-up routine into something with more meat. At the highest velocity moments of the show there were sparks flying everywhere as a disheveled captain steered us through war, plague and queer detours at pace.
Any piece with brave hopes will inevitably not land every trick, and while Bowden acknowledges his euro/western-centric lens at the top, some of his more sweeping conclusions feel like they could be dismantled by the expansion of that lens. That said, the best answer or counter to this within the show is when he wisely and deftly brings the focus to a micro level, unpacking photos from his own life and vast complexities that run through our personal histories as well as our collective ones. There is a strong enough vein of compassion running through the show that any points of discomfort or disagreement from the audience with the confident tales of our life being shared on stage were brief, and not ruinous to the audience leaning in to all we were hearing rather than away.
There are genuine belly laughs and some persuasive insights amongst quips and the scattered apartment set complements the energy perfectly. The use of PowerPoints and whiteboards, scrunched up papers and marker-drawn horsemen of the apocalypse helps thread the varied directions of this show together. There is a core of hope here, despite all the violence and death forewarned in the beginning. Izzy Morrissey’s lighting design gives a crispness to both the staging and sections of the show, adding a theatricality that elevates it.
This is a well executed piece, full of heart. Both Sam Bowden’s performance and writing, and Artie Gallagher’s direction allow the humanity and humour to shine in a densely written one man show. It closes tonight and is worth a visit!
To book tickets to Don't Panic (It's Happened Before), please visit https://www.oldfitztheatre.com.au/dont-panic.
