Funny, fearless and forthright, Jordan Tweddle’s Pillock is a darkly comic tale of ADHD, loneliness and the perils of dating.
Written and performed by Tweddle, and directed by Scott Le Crass, Pillock hits you hard the moment the lights go up. Trying to navigate life while struggling with neurodiversity and lactose intolerance, Cumbrian actor Jay Parker is trying to locate his erstwhile agent while looking for connection in all the wrong places. After infiltrating a yoga class in a pair of stolen shorts, Jay meets Eugene, a man with a perfect teeth-to-gum ratio. He is both handsome and cultured – could this be Jay’s leading man or will he be just another day player?
There is so much to like about this piece, from Tweddle’s committed performance and easy rapport with the audience to the quirkly text and smutty jokes. Jay is a troubled hero on a personal journey, and the use of his ADHD traits to shift the focus of scenes and sneak in foreshadowing is unique and skillfully done.
Pillock is a rollercoaster of a play, with Tweddle switching from jovial to devastated in the bat of an eye. This never feels forced, and he shows a sincerity and vulnerability that is very affecting, however there are moments where the emotions seem to engulf him. Keeping that level of emotion so accessible for the whole show must be truly exhausting.
At its heart, this is a play about loneliness and the desire to belong, which is something many will relate to. What makes it stand out is the unusual storytelling style and strong central performance, the thoughtful direction and bold design.
By Deborah Klayman
Pillock plays at Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh until 25th August 2024.
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