Review by Steve Bennett

His premise is that nobody bats an eyelid at the term ‘single mum’, but the idea of a young single dad induces gasps of amazement, particularly if he’s not making a mess of raising two young sons.

His own upbringing with two loving but undemonstrative parents – including a stern father with an Old Testament certainty of a child’s innate guilt – is in contrast with his efforts to raise his own children, where he is not only the footballing dad, but also makes the packed lunches, lays out school uniforms and is the recipient of his younger son’s confidences and easy affection.

A seasoned club pro, Quincy talks about exploring his feminine side, but doesn’t actually lay it out. Instead he plays with some rotten old clichés about gossipy women at the school gates and the predatory single mum who spots him for potential father figure for her own brood. Although this piece is about his dual role, much of the stronger material comes from his experiences of being a son and what his expectations of his parents mean.

The strengths of this piece lie with the heartfelt story and Quincy’s ability to weave a spell. At key points in the narration you can hear a pin drop.

Because he feels the onus of being a comic with a tale to tell, he lards it with quips of variable quality. The very best spring from his personal experiences, but there’s enough weaker guff that he doesn’t need to do. He should have the courage of his convictions and explore and explain his own feelings without undercutting the more poignant moments with lines that aren’t worthy of him.

So early in its run, it is obvious that there is tons more to be extracted from his experience.

Reviewed by: Julia Chamberlain

Review date: 1 Jan 2008
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett