This Evil Thing

Michael Mears' family has been no stranger to global conflict, his grandfather and father having each fought in a world war. Despite this pedigree, shared by many of his generation, he's always considered himself a pacifist, even going so far as to emblazon his school pencil case with the legend, "war is illogical".

The performer may be passionate about his beliefs, but concedes that he's never had call to stand by them. This Evil Thing is an inspirational and disturbing work focussed on men who did. It credits the bravery of the conscientious objectors forced into fighting an ideological war against their country's establishment as gunfire blazed throughout Europe.

Using real-life dialogue from such figures as Fenner Brockway and Bertrand Russell, Mears casts light upon a chapter of British history too often ignored, and raises some salient points about our responsibilities as individuals. Above all, we're made to consider the terrifying results that occur when man falls out of line with popular consensus. Our humanist heroes are incarcerated, bullied and humiliated by institutions under whose authority they never agreed to be subject.

Mears is an animated and engaging presence throughout, his faithful delivery of others' words accommodating many a naturalistic flourish. Entertaining as his show may be, his gratitude and outrage remain very much to the fore. This is important, vital polemic.