The Simple Gift - Presented by Andre Victor (28 January 2025)

Kindness.

For some people it is an intrinsic part of their nature. For others it proves elusive. Then there are those who have forgotten what kindness is; through trauma and personal circumstances. 

The contrast is immediately established when young teen, Billy, runs away from home to escape an abusive father who is bereft of kindness in any form. Billy rides a train westwards where Eddie, a train driver, discovers him. Instead of ejecting him from the train, Eddie provides food and sound advice; things he didn't have to do as Billy astutely points out. It's a gracious act that makes an impression. 

Billy ends up in the town of Bendarat, once a wealthy railway hub but one that's now fallen into disrepair. Much like Old Bill who lives in a discarded train carriage and drinks away his days. The impact each will have on the other is profound - the youngster through enthusiasm and compassion; the older man by awakening from a slumber inflicted by unspeakable tragedy and remembering who he essentially is. 

There is a third character in this wonderfully crafted tale - 17 year old Caitlin who goes to the grammar school and mops floors at the local McDonalds where Billy craftily finds his meals in the leftovers of other people. She comes from a wealthy family where material possessions and status are no problem. Yet she seeks something far more nourishing for the soul. Her growing relationship with Billy and its intersection with Old Bill is another touching story strand.

Written in free verse and adapted by Andre Victor from the book of the same name by Steven Herrick, The Simple Gift has a level of detail and specificity in its description of place and character that is compelling. Staged in an unadorned space, you can see the town, its inhabitants, and the landmarks clearly in the way they are invoked in the dialogue. The starlings in the eves of Old Bill's former home, the ibis on the water, the tomatoes at the cannery, the fruit in the nearby orchard... and crucially, you feel the emotions with such clarity. There are moments that left me teary-eyed. However, from great sorrow comes an overwhelming sense of goodness which radiates throughout the entire fifty minutes.

Harry McGuire as Billy brings a youthful energy tinged with a worldliness in a character that acts as a catalyst for Old Bill and Caitlin to move out of their respective ruts. There's a soulfulness to McGuire's performance that creeps up on you until Billy finds himself in need of the sort of care and attention he has so unconditionally given others. The switch to vulnerability and anguish is beautifully crafted. It's a wonderful performance.

One that has no choice but to alter Old Bill played with gruff demeanour by Benjamin Small who carefully charts a trajectory from the depths of despair to a welcome rejuvenation. Small's monologue that reveals the source of the character's trauma is devastating in its honesty and raw emotion. 

While Small's default position is gruffness, Caitlyn Boyle brings an inherent sweetness to Caitlin that is equally fascinating. You sense Boyle's Caitlin is an outsider in a town where she has every advantage. There's such a light touch here that makes the tender romance with Billy a joy.  

Evocative lighting design by Kat Brieden and Andre Victor clearly delineates painful flashbacks from the present day action; and heightened emotions from delicate moments of human connection. The direction by Andre Victor is quiet and focussed on meaningful character beats. McGuire and Boyle almost have an Elizabethan style dance as their courtship flourishes; the continuous touch of hands another lovely detail. The only thing I wasn't quite sure about was a costume change towards the end that was maybe too symbolic of the transformation these characters had undertaken. It's a minor detail when you have writing and performances this good.

There is an honesty here that I loved. Above all, yes, kindness flows from these characters in surprising and powerful ways. You can feel it. That truly is a gift.

The Simple Gift is on at the Hayman Theatre until 2 February as part of the Fringe World Festival.

Photos by Jordan D'Arcy (Perfectly Picturesque Photography)