A Common Man: The Bridge that Tom Built

There’s a feeling of revolution in the air. Dominic Allen’s call for social justice in this monologue feels every bit as relevant today as in the 18th century.

Part lecture, part stand up and part dramatic monologue, we are taken through the life of English-American activist Thomas Paine. Allen, who wrote A Common Man as well as starring in it, doesn’t hide his admiration for Paine. His enthusiasm to spread this story is a joy to watch. If it has a slight feeling of an educational school assembly, this is a positive, as we genuinely learn through the hour about this extraordinary man.

Moving past lost love so fast you almost forget it ever happened, Allen’s focus is on Paine’s political achievements rather than his emotional state. Fighting for liberty as he moved from England to America to France, Paine made as many enemies as friends, many of whom Allen imitates. He lets us into the secret of performing Washington: "it’s all in the jaw".

Throwing in a few digs to current right wing politics, A Common Man is just as much about the conversations and minds Paine opened up as the legal changes he influenced. Paine was an inventor, but he also built a bridge between people wherever he went, opening up discussions and minds. He may have only had six people at his funeral, but through this performance, Allen has made certain that Paine will be remembered and admired by many more.

A Common Man tells us to stand up and speak out as we learn the power and influence a passionate individual—any common man—can have.