Full to the brim with catchy tunes, comedic lines and almost through-sung, Darby James’ Little Squirt is the perfect offspring of solo theatre and cabaret.
You might expect a one-man-musical about sperm donation to be full of smutty seaman gags – and you would be right. What is unexpected about Little Squirt, however, is how well the innuendo is balanced with thoughtful reverie and meaningful storytelling.
Bright, bold and likeable, James builds an instant rapport with his audience, who he holds in rapt attention. A multi-talented performer, each of the show’s twelve original songs finds its mark, while advancing the narrative and illiciting either guffaws or gasps from the audience.
The story is a relatable one: unsure if he wants to have children himself, but keen to help others, James reponds to a Facebook advert for sperm donors. The gay son of a Christian minister, he finds himself conflicted about his reasons for doing so – is it ego, is it altruistic? And should we be bringing more children into a world doomed by Climate Change?
The piece touches on some thorny issues such as choosing ethnicity, the rights of donor-conceived children to know their heritage, and how to participate as a queer person. “If I Were A Dad” and “The Violence of You” are particularly meaningful songs, as James asks, is any kind of choice to procreate ever totally selfless?
There is one moment in the show that does not feel wholly sincere, as James has to affect a very sudden emotional handbrake turn near the close of the piece. Perhaps he had to cut the production down to fit the obligatory 60-minute Festival slot and this change was rushed, because every other part was expertly balanced.
Little Squirt is a funny, quirky musical with a unique take on a subject that many do not want to discuss. With his great vocal quality and exceptional songwriting ability, Darby James is certainly a performer who will continue to create a legacy to be proud of.
By Deborah Klayman
Little Squirt plays at Summerhall, Edinburgh until 26th August 2024.
Leave a Reply