Jack Hunter’s autobiographical ‘One of Two’ made first contact with audiences during Fringe 2022. TheQR didn’t catch it then, but I’m glad to have this second chance, thanks to a new co-production between Jack and Independent Arts Projects.
Fully embracing the ‘write what you know’ mantra, Hunter delves into a wry introduction, making it crystal clear he has no intentions of ‘inspiring’ anyone. This isn’t a tale of victory over the odds, it’s an investigation of why the odds are so stacked against those with disabilities. Hunter and his twin sister Bec were born with cerebral palsy. He walks with a limp, his left leg shorter than the other, whilst Bec is a wheelchair user.
To manifest his inner critic, Hunter plunders pop culture, summoning the spectre of Darth Vader (also disabled – obviously!), to embody the intrusive thoughts he lives with. It’s a clever twist, a shortcut to creating this ‘other’ character who will regularly contribute throaty, deep-breathed deprecations. It’s just one of the well-judged, absurd, but entirely pointed threads of comedy Hunter will weave through his story. Hunter understands that the first duty of theatre is to entertain, and this he does from start to finish.
Technically speaking, the tensions between ‘One of Two’s’ twin themes of ‘coming of age’ tragicomedy and enraged call to action do occasionally interrupt the play’s flow. Editing a lifetime of complex human inner life into 60 minutes is a tough challenge for anyone. Fortunately, Hunter has sufficient stage presence to hold his self-penned vessel together.
He gives a winning and vivid account of his and his ‘womb-mate’s’ inseparable early years, making their way through a supportive if imperfect, primary education. Secondary school would be another matter altogether, casting both into ‘special’ classes, and the expectation-limiting ideas of their educators. Their related, but very different disabilities would also push the twins apart. Hunter doesn’t hold his deeply conflicted inner life away from the audience.
However, ‘One of Two’ is not a sob story, it’s an honest, and well-constructed memoir of real lives, real problems, as well as joy. Hunter powers his story with a mix of righteous indignation, good humour, and the love he shares with his twin and his family. Yes, the system which manages, rather than supports those with additional support needs has visited needless misery in their lives, but they have survived, and found ways to thrive.
Bec is present in the play, her contributions recorded, and well tied into proceedings, part septical critic of Hunter’s monologue, part determined advocate of her own cause. It’s a crucial element in ‘One of Two’, removing exposition from the script, and enabling more showing than telling.
Ultimately, ‘One of Two’ is very clear: it shouldn’t be so hard, and the difference is societal choice. Hunter doesn’t want to inspire you with his, or Bec’s triumph against adversity; he wants you to look at the adversity and ask why it exists in the first place. Engaging, charming, and challenging, Jack Hunter’s ‘One of Two’ is a fine piece of work from a talented actor-creator. The show will now voyage overseas to entertain continental audiences, and we wish it bon voyage!
Show Details
Dates: Run Finished
Age Recommendation: 12+ (Contains some loud noises/sound effects. References to disablism & ableism, including derogatory slurs. Suggestions of anxiety and depression.)
Running Time: 1 hour
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible Venue
- Wheelchair Accessible Toilet
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