Everything I Own by Daniel Ward - ★★★★☆

Everything I Own is a great play  — short but very sweet; it’s charming, funny, relatable and nostalgic for many of the audience members. Everything I Own is one of many plays making up the Housemates festival at Brixton House this July. Written by Daniel Ward, this one man play is wonderfully acted out by Everal A. Walsh taking you on a musical journey as he ponders over significant events such as the Brixton Uprising of the 80’s and more recently the Black Lives Matter movement.

As you walk into the theatre, the set gives you an inkling as to the type of intimate performance that lies ahead. The set is a typical West Indian living room with a comfy armchair, Jamaican flag, pictures that remind you of ‘back home’ and a familiar patterned wallpaper. Hidden away in a globe is Errol’s stash of rum which he drinks continuously throughout the play as both a source of enjoyment and comfort.

The play opens with Errol sharing his love of tea. Despite the living room design suggesting a Jamaican accent would be heard; surprisingly Errol has a thick Yorkshire accent which dominates the performance with short bursts of patois coming through every now and again. We quickly learn about Errol’s life including his relationship with his siblings, son and his father. The comedic timing and the overall delivery creates a hilarious experience for the audience who were continuously laughing along. 

The main themes of the play were explored through music, with Errol reminiscing about the music he shared with his father. This was embedded throughout the performance as Errol would play a song from a Spotify playlist and recall past occasions. The music was incredibly popular with the audience as Errol played tune after tune from a range of Jamaican artists, past and present. Daniel Ward did an excellent job of seamlessly integrating the music into the storytelling.

As the play progresses, Errol shares occasions where he was the victim of discrimination. He also references the controversial 70’s stand-up character Chalky White and the poor attempts at a Jamaican accent. These moments are one of many reminders of the prejudice people like Errol faced, providing an important balance to the light-hearted nature of other scenes.

Daniel Ward has done an excellent job in creating a believable character who has mastered the art of storytelling, Errol is able to draw us in, entertain and educate.

Everything I Own is showing at Brixton House until 22 July.