• Advertise
  • Request Review
  • Write for Us
  • Privacy
  • Login

Theatre Bubble

The UK Theatre Network

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Features
  • Spotlight
  • Opinions
  • Interviews
  • Guides

KEN at the Bunker Theatre

February 2, 2018 by Tom Bailey Leave a Comment

Review of: KEN

Reviewed by: Tom Bailey
Rating:
4
On February 2, 2018
Last modified:February 2, 2018

Summary:

A one of a kind homage to a unique man

More Details

The Bunker Theatre has been transformed into a dimly lit, Bohemian lounge as audience members are welcomed to sit on cushions or sunken armchairs and listen to a man (Terry Johnson) share his story of his lifelong association with mentor and friend, Ken Campbell (played by Jeremy Stockwell). Johnson narrates the actions, reactions and everything else in-between, bringing Ken back one night only to have a bit of a chat. In this respect, KEN is not so much a play but more of a storytelling, in which Ken interjects Johnson’s story with quips, wit, and mad suggestions.

Where KEN really succeeds is in capturing the unique essence of who Ken Campbell was. Stockwell has created a sensitive yet playful portrait, embodying him in a manner that is so specific in detail, with his unruly eyebrows and manic hand gestures, without it ever tipping into an impersonation. Of course this goes hand in hand with Johnson’s detailed accounts of the rehearsal processes, meetings, parties and pub sessions that he shared with Ken in which we are regaled with tales 9 hour plays, giant inflatable whales and a particularly entertaining story involving a postman and a bicycle. These stories leave an essence of who Ken was and are, even in themselves, enough to understand how different Ken was in the world of British theatre and as a human being.

The show is also in some ways a tribute to fringe theatre. The Bunker Theatre is just the perfect location for a show telling on of the origin stories for a lot of contemporary experimental british theatre we know and love today. It is as if Terry’s tales with Ken have come full circle and here they both are again – in a fringe venue, sharing stories, at the forefront of experimental theatre back in the 1970s; back to a time when Johnson had no idea about the wonderfully weird man he was about to accidently meet, and absolutely no idea about how Ken would come to influence him as a person and as an artist.

Anyone who has known someone ineffable in their life, whether that be a mentor, colleague or best friend, will see the beauty in Johnson and Stockwell’s show. It captures the indescribable influence certain people have on our lives in ways we did not even expect. KEN is a one of a kind homage to a truly unique man.

Author: Tom BaileyTom is a theatre maker and writer based in London, England. He covers news and interviews for Theatre Bubble.
T: Twitter F: Facebook

Filed Under: Featured, Review Tagged With: Bunker Theatre, KEN

Join the discussion Cancel reply

NEWS / Japanese Romeo and Juliet to the songs of Queen announced

Coming to Sadler’s Wells in September as part of its world tour, A Night At The Kabuki is a retelling [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Paul O’Donnell talks about Shoot Festival

Shoot Festival returns this year with a mix of commissioned pieces and showcases of the best of Coventry’s arts scene. [Read More]

Review / The Man who Knew Too Much at Omnibus Theatre

A packed Omnibus Theatre lapped up the entertaining antics of The Man Who Knew Too Much. Co-Director and Co-writer Olivia [Read More]

Spotlight / Inua Ellams at 05Fest Lewisham

Inua Ellams, the Albany and WE ARE LEWISHAM  presents………. 05Fest, 10 – 19 March Poetry takes front and centre stage [Read More]

Review / Eng-er-land at the Alleyn Theatre

This new play, Eng-er-land  kicked off a UK tour with its opening performance in the Alleyn Theatre at Dulwich College [Read More]

Top Posts & Pages

  • 10 Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Reality TV Auditions
  • 5 Stage Elements to Consider for a Rousing Theatrical Production
  • Paul Hegarty in conversation with INK Festival,East Anglia
  • Japanese Romeo and Juliet to the songs of Queen announced
  • Ben Lloyd-Hughes in Kiss Me
  • After All This- Ovalhouse
  • How to Applying for Arts Grants and Funding
  • Blasted- Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
  • Katy Owen: Auditioning for Oxford School of Drama
  • Caldonia Walton talks to us about ALEX
  • Tom Bailey
    Editor

  • February 2nd, 2018
  • comment iconNo Comments
  • Facebook1TweetLinkedInEmail

    Newsletter

    Enjoyed what you've read? Get even more great content directly to your inbox - Completely Free

    About Theatre Bubble

    Theatre Bubble is the news, review and blogging site created by Blue Pie Media and run by a dedicated team of outstanding editors and writers: we're always looking for new contributors - to find out more click here.

    Contact Us

    News: news@theatrebubble.com
    Reviews: reviews@theatrebubble.com
    Website: webmaster@theatrebubble.com

    Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2022 · Blue Pie Media

     

    Loading Comments...
     

      Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

      Email sent!