Following last year’s critically acclaimed Colossal, Patrick McPherson returns to the Edinburgh Fringe and the Underbelly Cowgate venue with a new hour of storytelling, The Way Way Deep, directed by Ellie Coote.
We’re introduced to Ben, a twenty-five year old enjoying some after work drinks. He bumps into old friend Jack, and their friendship is rekindled over the course of an evening out. We learn that they had been best friends growing up, but as is so often the case, drifted apart as one headed off to University.
McPherson is fast becoming the master of the unseen twist, and when it comes in The Way Way Deep it hits like a punch to the gut. As Ben and Jack’s night out takes a different path, the audience are swept up in a wave of conflicting emotions. Quite deliberately, McPherson doesn’t provide a definitive conclusion to the story, but there may have been a missed opportunity to further explore the aftermath of Ben and Jack’s actions.
Instead the play focusses on establishing the basis of the friendship, through an alluring mix of spoken word, poetry and song, McPherson slowly builds up a picture of this perfect friendship. Recorded voice-overs of children’s conversations bring the past into focus with the present, and we start to feel like we know Ben and Jack as well as they know each other.
The soundtrack to The Way Way Deep, from Sam Rothera, is incredible and absolutely sets the tone and mood for every scene, building up tension where it’s needed and pulling us back to moments of contemplation as required.
Will Hayman’s design is equally atmospheric, half a dozen or so vertical strip lights glow and pulsate with varying hues to suit the mood. It’s an absolutely beautiful production to watch as McPherson’s pitch perfect delivery, the music, and lights, all synchronise into this one captivating whole.
Patrick McPherson, as well as being the writer of the piece, delivers a magical performance as Ben. It’s impossible not to be captivated by each and every word that flows lyrically and precisely. The Way Way Deep cements McPherson’s reputation as a master storyteller, creating a compelling narrative with beautiful staging.
