The Way Way Deep is a triumph of unique storytelling.

In this one-man show, performer, Patrick McPherson, guides the audience through the thought process of Ben, a man who has just lost his job after reconnecting with an old friend, Jack. As the story at the surface rolls on, the deep, buried reality of Ben and Jack’s history slowly washes up through flashbacks and anecdotes.

The show uses a multitude of elements to carry the plot, including lighting, sound, original music and spoken word. The lighting and sound cues are impressively detailed. The show bravely takes the risk of relying heavily on these special effects, but the payoff is immense, creating an immersive experience. The script is even more impressive. Some turns of phrase are so beautiful; I was left longing for a copy of the script to properly take in all in.

The solo artist, McPherson, was bold and committed. He playfully altered the tone, pace, volume and confidence of his voice, such that I was never able to predict what would come next. McPherson’s range and skill were evident in his performance, and he had me (and the audience) in his palm the entire time. McPherson’s dedication, combined with clever production choices, resulted in a show that was utterly captivating. For an hour, I was completely swept up in Ben’s world.

The Way Way Deep felt fresh, like a new era had dawned on the way we tell stories, and the kinds of stories we choose tell. While the subject matter is heavy, I certainly didn’t walk out feeling deflated. If anything, I felt energised by the quality of the performance, and will be mulling over the story, and its intricacies, for some time. If you are not quite sure what to see at Fringe, this is a very good place to start.