Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon

There are two reasons Kevin Bacon stars in those baffling adverts for EE. We assume one is Bernie Madoff: Bacon lost out when the fraudster’s Ponzi scheme collapsed. The other is a game for the extremely bored. A demonstration of the "small world" theory, the six degrees of Kevin Bacon game says you can connect any individual to the movie star in six steps or fewer. Essentially Kevin Bacon is the centre of the universe, the nexus that connects everyone to everyone, and the perfect frontman for a mobile network.

There are two reasons Lolly Jones is putting on this show. First, she has a "Bacon Number" of one. She co-starred with Mr Tremors in one of those adverts – a paycheck for him, an epiphany for her. Secondly, she’s had a hell of a year. As Jones lost ties to friends, lovers, family and even her mobile phone contract—not to mention a dissociating dabble with drugs—she started to wonder how we can all be connected and still not be able to connect to one another. After all that, the world can seem very small indeed.

This is all cogent stuff and Jones is bracingly honest. She’s forceful and energetic, even when not grinding to 'Footloose'. But her story is not inherently funny. Audience members, especially here, really want to make that connection to the performer, and show they're having fun. But the jarring pace and blaring music prevent you.

Still, even stitting right at the centre of the universe, Mr B can go through tough times and come out with new friends like Jones. As EE used to say, the future’s bright.