Mike Birbiglia, Soho Theatre - review

The American storyteller rallies through a beautifully observed and deftly delivered yarn of loves and loves lost
17 May 2012

American storyteller Mike Birbiglia was worried about making his long-awaited London debut, comparing it to having a date with someone you have a major crush on and being scared that it might turn messy. The date metaphor is apt because Birbiglia’s monologue, My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend, is all about the ups and downs of his relationship history. This is a show for anyone whose romances have not always run smoothly, ie pretty much everyone.

The endearing yarn starts with a recent car crash before flashing back to all-too-recognisable complications with the opposite sex. On one memorable occasion, Birbiglia took a sweetheart on a spinning fairground ride after copious candy floss and began vomiting, “not unlike an oscillating lawn sprinkler”.

The well-structured narrative, packed with evocative comic images, embellished by witty mimes and canny callbacks, paints a portrait of the boringly dressed star as the ultimate chump, but a chump with charm.

Eventually this heartwarming lo-fi tale — a projector screen, used briefly, is the only prop — catches up with the opening collision scenario, which proves a pivotal moment in Birbiglia’s life. To reveal more would spoil the finale. Needless to say, like the rest of this piece, it is beautifully observed and deftly delivered. No need to worry about that nervous rendezvous with London. We love you, Mike.

Mike Birbiglia plays the Soho Theatre until May 26 (020 7478 0100, sohotheatre.com).

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