The Lowry, Salford – until Sunday 24th February.
Reviewed by Joseph Everton.
5*****
David Tomlinson. I didn’t know the name but I knew the face and the portrayal of Mr Banks in Mary Poppins, complete with bowler hat and that moustache. I wondered if having little to no knowledge of David Tomlinson would ruin this play for me, whether it would be fair to comment on the script. My fears were assuaged early on as Miles Jupp delivered a brilliantly written script, gifted to him by comedy writer, James Kettle. The Life I Lead, with its name taken from the song performed by Tomlinson in Mary Poppins, turned out to be a show full of laughs and learning.
A bit of research revealed that Jupp, who Kettle wrote the script specifically for, actually shares a strange number of characteristics with Tomlinson. But why Tomlinson? Well, to believe the classic actor’s story, you really have to watch the show. In a one-man performance, Miles Jupp tells the scarcely believable tale of Tomlinson’s life, beginning with his experiences as an airman in World War Two and then skilfully dancing forward and then backwards in time to address, among other things, Tomlinson’s relationship with his father, his wives, sons and his experiences creating the character of Mr Banks under the direction of Walt Disney himself.
Miles Jupp, arguably best known for his comedy and appearances on Mock the Week, beautifully portrays Tomlinson’s enthusiasm for life, wit and desire never to be taken seriously. However, many aspects of his life are incredibly thought provoking and sometimes desperately sad, meaning that Jupp is required to play a range of emotions. He manages this perfectly. One moment the audience is rapt, silent whilst listening to Tomlinson recall the loss of his first wife. The next, chuckling with laughter as he recalls his fabrication of fake agent, Harry Gunnell (not to be rhymed with funnel), who had a particular penchant for turning down roles as Tomlinson sought a quiet retirement.
I was moved by David Tomlinson’s story but this was not a tale full of sadness. In fact, it struck a perfect balance between tugging at your heart strings and inducing snorts of laughter. The Life I Lead, Tomlinson’s story, the neat production, the brilliant script and Miles Jupp’s performance were enthralling and the show deserves to be seen.