My overall impression
I’m not going to lie – I had no idea what New Zealander Jay Ryan was saying half the time – which didn’t matter because his characterizations are precise and cleverly distinct. This funny and dark one-man show, written by Dianna Fuemana, takes us into a seedy lifestyle of drugs, prostitutes, alcoholic mothers and philandering fathers. There’s no real story line or even character arcs, rather The Packer is more of a collection of characters – all of whom stay the same. Which is fine because Ryan makes each one thoroughly entertaining. Well directed by Jeremy Lindsay Taylor, the scenes flow allowing for quick succession of character changes.
Anyone who is doing or wants to do a one-person show, see Jay Ryan in The Packer. His caliber of acting is truly top-notch.
