‘Wilf’ has returned to the Traverse Theatre until 28th August. This much-acclaimed play follows Calvin and he struggles through relationships, friendships and driving lessons. He finds that the only person there for him is his new car, Wilf.
Michael Dylan is superb as Calvin; he supplies so much energy to the character. The chaos he embraces gains many laughs, and quite rightly so. However, when we see the darker scarred sides to this character, that’s where we see the true complexity. There is such richness in this performance where the dialogue isn’t guaranteed to be performed so successfully by even the most experienced performer, however Michael delivers the lines with a mix of humour and devastation.
Irene Allan is hilarious as Thelma. Irene’s delivery of the golden one liners and also her whole demeaner radiates humour. There is also empathy very much present within this performance which helps make Thelma and Calvin’s dynamic so perfect.
Neil John Gibson takes on a multitude of roles, each one funnier than the last. There’s a great versatility on show where there’s different shades to each of the characters, most of them being fabulously gay. This is a great performance.
James Ley is a great writer who can clearly dip his toes in different genres whilst tackling several social and political issues with such creativity. There are some parallels with ‘Wilf’ and his other play, ‘Ode To Joy (How Gordon got to go to the Nasty Pig Party)’, which is also playing at this year’s Fringe. Those parallels are mostly the unfiltered approach to gay culture, whilst tackling taboo or in this case absurd habits. There is nothing in the new writing landscape quite like James Ley’s absurdist and hysterical plays. Yet there is heart and great emotion embedded within ‘Wilf’, which reaches the audience and connects them so greatly to the characters on stage.
Gareth Nicholls brings colour, pizazz and darkness in his direction for ‘Wilf’. Gareth by no means hides away from the bizarre moments of this piece, quite the opposite, he leaves the audience wincing and laughing at the spectacularly bonkers moments unfolding on stage. So much so there was an audible “Oh my god!” from the row behind me. Emily Jane Boyle’s movement design helps jar the audience out of moments of humour into the splintering seconds of immense emotion, it really spears the characters and the audience the hints of what the future holds for Calvin and Wilf.
The production is complimented by Becky Minto’s brilliant design which although minimalistic brings us Wilf in all his great glory. Renny Robertson’s lighting design helps shift the setting and emotion of the play, lifted by Susan Bear’s sound design.
‘Wilf’ is one of the most absurd pieces of theatre in the UK that shocks and entertains audiences with the perfect balance. Who knew someone could love their car that much?
Click the link below to get tickets for ‘Wilf’:
Theatre Scotland 
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