It takes a certain kind of actor to hold an audience’s attention for two hours without anyone else sharing the stage.
Nelson actor Jake Danson from the Nelson Theatre Collective is about to do just that when he stars in The Daylight Atheist at the Suter Theatre this month.
The acclaimed one-man play by New Zealand satirist Tom Scott will be performed over four nights from 8 – 11 July.
The 28-year-old, who last year appeared in That Bloody Woman and Matilda, plays Danny Moffat, the fictionalised version of Tom’s alcoholic, abusive and charismatic Irish immigrant father.
Set almost entirely in Danny’s untidy bedroom, the play follows him as he reflects on his failures, his experiences of war and his life in New Zealand. Described as both fiercely funny and poignant, it is one of New Zealand’s most popular and frequently performed plays since premiering in 2002.
Producer Hugh Neill says he wanted to bring the play back to Nelson after performing it himself at the Suter 16 years ago.
“I was keen to do it again, and, after a discussion with Jake, I thought he would be perfect for the role. He’s a stonking good actor... and he can pull off an Irish accent. He understands the characters and can hold the audience’s attention.”
Hugh says the role is a demanding one, with Jake on stage for the full two-hour performance while playing a variety of characters.
“It’s a huge ask for one actor,” he says.
He adds that many of New Zealand’s top male actors have taken on the role over the years.
“It is a fine piece of writing.”
The production will also mark the final show for the Nelson Theatre Collective, which has been producing shows on and off for the past 20 years.
“This is the perfect piece to end on,” Hugh says.
The Daylight Atheist runs at the Suter Theatre from 8 – 11 July, with performances beginning at 7.30pm. Tickets are available through Humanitix.
