The cast of I, Daniel Blake were given a standing ovation for their poignant and powerful performance of the story of one man’s battle, and ultimate failure, to beat the system.
The stage adaptation of Ken Loach’s iconic, multi award-winning film, is at the Oxford Playhouse this week.
A grim but versatile set, the play opened with Daniel (Dan) played by David Nellist, a carpenter and Geordie, who’s recovering after a major heart attack. He’s been deemed unfit for work by his doctor and signed off – but he’s denied unemployment support.
We watch as he attempts to navigate his way through the benefits system, continually hitting brick walls. His 1 hour 48 minute wait on the phone to speak to a human; the mysterious ‘Decision Maker’ and a series of ridiculous questions he’s asked about his ability to work, lifting his arm, walking and his bowel movements. He quipped “Ask about me heart, forget about me arse – that works a dream”.
At a Job Centre appointment he meets Katie (Bryony Corrigan) who has just arrived from London and finally got a council house for her and her daughter Daisy (Jodie Wild). The pair are hoping for a fresh start. It’s up north she tells her Gran – “What Watford?” she asks.
Despite their individual challenges the pair become firm friends. Dan finds a sense of purpose by helping Katie with repairs to her house and collecting Daisy from school; in return Katie and Daisy bring joy to his life which has been empty since his wife died. But that all changes when Katie’s desperation forces her to make a controversial decision about making money.
This play paints a desperate picture of the reality of life for many families in the UK today and how trying to navigate the benefits system is pushing many people to breaking point. However, it’s not all doom and gloom, there are many positive messages we have taken away. The strength of the human spirit, the sense of community, of friendship, of love and respect. I, Daniel Blake is also sprinkled with plenty of humour – watch out for China (Kema Sikazwe), Dan’s neighbour, and his trainer scam, Daisy’s surprise at a cassette player; and listen out for how his friend got the nick-name Nuclear!
Throughout the show recorded quotes from politicians and former Prime Ministers paint a picture of a strong, prosperous, united Great Britain. These are set against the play’s narrative which is a complete juxtaposition, rather it’s a picture of poverty, suffering and a broken system.
I, Daniel Blake is a thought provoking production which touches many themes including suicide, food, period and hygiene poverty, domestic violence, sex work and the cost of living crisis, all tackled sensitively. We really enjoyed this production and left the theatre quietly contemplating how grateful we were.
The play is at the Oxford Playhouse until Saturday, for more information or tickets view https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/i-daniel-blake
