Omnibus Theatre, London – until 4th November 2023
Reviewed by Mitzi Luck
5*****
‘Invisible Animal’ written and performed by Tom Manning, is a glimpse into the mind of a young man with autism who has learnt to mask his true self. We meet Tom as he readies himself to leave his home environment and face the world – he tries, but he can’t face leaving yet. The audience is ushered into the inner battle that Tom faces in an intimate and raw portrayal as there is so much of himself that he must hide when outside.
Tom (played by Manning) is able to learn how to be a different person than himself in order to fit in with a neurotypical society. He does this by repetitively watching films and tv – we see his space littered with VHS boxes and Simpsons memorabilia. He finds his way in life by learning his lines and acting them out. Reels of classic films echo his own mind. The audience is even invited on stage to act out a Simpsons scene that Tom finds to be key to his own life.
The set design by Emma Wee creates an intimate and cosy home space with personal items – it is easy to see why Tom finds it his safe haven. Screens are used throughout the play to show Tom’s inner thoughts – the part of him that he has named the ‘invisible animal’ because he has learnt through society’s reactions to hide this essential part of him away, is portrayed on a screen behind him. On a television close by, a YouTube commentator engages Tom and provokes his journey. His inner true self creates the dialogue that Tom needs to discover whether he really does want to leave that part of him behind. All three parts are played excellently by Manning and work together so succinctly and convincingly, it is engaging to watch and creates a dynamic play.
The pressure builds as we see just how much strain Tom is putting himself under in order to fit in. As his inner monologue reveals his true past and the hardships he has endured – it becomes apparent that he needs to decide whether to continue forcing or allow his true self to emerge. Tom lifts weights and repeats lines and the lighting, by Rachel Sampley, wonderfully echoes the intensity building within Tom.
The writing is so revealing and confronting and yet Tom engages and brings a sense of togetherness. There is a lightness in amongst all the dialogue that breaks tension over a serious subject and brings Tom’s character to such vivid liveliness. I hope many people will take the opportunity to see this wonderful play – I highly recommend it to all.