How's About That Then?

In this biographical one-man play, Garry Roost does a great job of embodying legendary entertainer Sir Jimmy Savile, who died in October 2011. He really captures the voice of the performer—as well as his cringeworthy fashion sense—without descending into caricature. But although there’s much to like in this new play by Bernie C Byrnes, it eventually becomes a bit monotonous.

Dressed in a pink and white shell suit, gold chains around his neck and oversized rings, Roost instantly transports the audience into Sir Jimmy’s eccentric world. From the comfort of a red, throne-like armchair, he tells us all about his poor childhood in Leeds, where he was one of seven siblings, and how he vowed to change his life after being injured in a mine explosion as a young man. The play charts his rise from Bevin Boy to Radio Luxembourg DJ, then on to Top of the Pops and Jim’ll Fix It.

The monologue, punctuated by characteristic "now then, now thens" is occasionally broken up by voiceovers from Savile’s mother, whom he famously called “the Duchess.” It’s during these moments that we see a glimpse of the man underneath the bravado. And although it’s sympathetic, How’s About That Then? isn't a hagiography. The play doesn’t shy away from the accusations of paedophilia that dogged Saville, and Roost depicts his love of young ladies with skin-crawling sleaziness. But even at 45 minutes, it feels long and doesn’t really offer any new perspectives on the man.