★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Reviewer - Stacy

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review

The year is 2023 and the stark reality is that there are more food banks than McDonald's in the UK....a shocking fact that is enough to make your blood boil with the rage and injustice that this government has rained down on its people. This bitter pill is a drop in the ocean for the levels of indignation and heartbreak that this play will stir in you. I, Daniel Blake is a stark realisation of the reality that people have to face at the hands of a dysfunctional system, and it does so with brutal unapologetic honesty.

As a caveat, I'd like to say that I have not seen the film and I deliberately didn't view it prior to attending this performance as I wanted fresh eyes that didn't compare to what has gone before....but what I can safely say is that this is one of the best things I have seen in a long time. The storyline, direction, performance and media segues took me on a brutal journey that I'm still trying to process as I write this review.

To briefly set the scene, the play takes you on a journey that follows the lives of three groups of people all trying to survive their situation. Following a heart attack, Daniel Blake has been ordered to stay off work by his doctor, yet despite paying taxes his whole life, he's let down by the system after failing a Work Capability Assessment and being deemed fit for work. China, a young entrepreneur is trying to make his way in the world by selling desirable goods, sourced from China, on the streets in an attempt to stick it to the man. And finally, Katie and Daisy, Mother and Daughter, have found themselves fresh off the Megabus from London, having accepted a two-bed flat from the state, after two years in a hostel. A flat that is not in London, but in Newcastle where they have to build a new life from scratch.

The cast may be small in numbers but the standard was high, with some performances bringing the house down. David Nellist's realisation of Daniel Blake portrays a level of honesty and heartbreak that strikes true to the soul, in a credible performance that made me laugh, cry and smile simultaneously. Jodie Wild brought unassuming strength to the role of Daisy which blossomed into a beautiful and emotional moment with Daniel. Kima Sikazwe added an upbeat and youthful charm to the piece, in his portrayal of China, which was heightened by his musical prowess. Micky Cochrane and Janine Leigh provide the remaining characters, along with the less-than-desirable job centre staff that are played with pinpoint accuracy, and enough to make you want to throw your programme at them.

But for me the shining glory was Bryony Corrigan in the role of Katie Jenkins.....the myriad of emotions she portrayed on that stage was like a masterclass. I was in awe of her performance which reduced me to tears many times. She portrayed a woman who has slowly been beaten down at every opportunity by life, love and society that she becomes unable to react to a simple offer of kindness from a friend. Watching her character grow during the show was emotional, to say the least, and I don't think I'll ever forget the baked beans moment for as long as I live. What a performance.

I, Daniel Blake is raw, relevant and heartbreaking. It's devastating to think that these issues are larger than ever in today's society and I hope this piece will spark a much-needed uproar for change that our society desperately needs and deserves.