Ah, the tricky road to lasting love! We’ve all been down that awkward path twisting and squirming our way to finding, and hopefully keeping, a special someone.

The one man play Colossal explores love in an exciting and innovative way. It is a comic, yet deeply touching piece that gives you the uncomfortable feelings as well as the, “Oh, I can relate!” moments.

The writer and actor, Patrick McPherson, describes Colossal as, “a big mad messy mesh of original music, sketch comedy, monologue and gig theatre.” It’s also incredibly technically challenging and uses lights, music and sound scapes beautifully to support the story.

At one point in Colossal the main character, Dan, joyfully lists 20 words to describe his new partner Sam. So here are a few words to describe Colossal—it is a clever, poetic, musical, ingenious, poignant, witty, emotional, delightful, quirky, physically impressive theatrical journey about a 24-year-old English chap who is a bit cute and a bit of a shit.

As I’m sitting here writing this review my 24 old daughter is insisting that I listen to a song from Inside by Bo Burnham, because Colossal gave her such similar vibes. Not surprising then that Patrick himself says, “Inspiration wise I’m a shameless Bo Burnham fanboy to an irritating extent.” Now, if you’ve never heard of Bo Burnham, not to worry, I hadn’t either, you will still love Colossal.

Whilst I’m not likely to go clubbing again in my near future, I can easily relate to Dan’s story of being uncomfortable in a club which had, as Dan says, “No guilty pleasure songs like, Dancing Queen, just Satan banging on your brain with the same beat.” This is a show that all of us can relate to in some way, he even asks us to place ourselves on the “moral spectrum.” Oh yeah Dan, you’re right, none of us are perfect!

Patrick McPherson has the most extraordinary control of his own body; his beautifully emotional facial expressions and extensive physical gestures add so much visual charm to his fast paced, often rhyming lines.

Book yourself a ticket to Colossal if you want a show that I think is better than Bo Burnham!