I'm Fine review (Melbourne Fringe Festival)

Saxon Evans is a 29-year-old dental assistant who is hurtling towards gay death... he is turning 30. But does his depression run deeper than just getting older? Written and performed by Evans, I'm Fine is a one-man play that explores millennial mental health and navigating self-acceptance and belonging.

Performing as a character based on himself, Evans has a pleasing presence on stage that is evident from the moment he appears. His pace, tone and delivery of lines highlight his personality and perspective of how he sees and understands the world around him, and in turn, establishes a strong connection with the audience.

Even as he deals with mental health, suicide and self-harm, Evans finds good doses of humour to scatter throughout I’m Fine, ensuring that we are never left overwhelmed with what we are learning and comprehending the gravity of the circumstances he is in.

While Evans is an engaging performer and the narrative is entertaining, the structure remains a little rough, particularly with its ending. Evans provides great insight into the mind of this angry dental assistant, but the final act feels hurried and concludes quite abruptly. Some re-working of this would ensure this part of the play is afforded the same care and consideration as the rest of the show.

I'm Fine treads issues that are often discussed in theatre these days, especially from a millennial view, but Evans manages to talk through these in a refreshing way that lifts up I'm Fine into something different. Further development will allow this work to improve but there is still plenty to enjoy in its current iteration.

SHOW DETAILS

Venue: The Motley Bauhaus, 118 Elgin St, Carlton
Season: until 6 October | 9:30pm
Duration: 45 minutes
Tickets: $24 Full | $20 Conc
Bookings: Melbourne Fringe Festival