//Tuning In// is powerful, intriguing and intense in equal measure

The one-man, one-act show – written and performed by the talented Adam Fenton, opens with Reagan coming home from a first date. His face and chest are covered in blood.

He is desperately trying to piece together a series of fragmented memories of his evening with DJ Cameron.

Reagan guides us every step of the way, painstakingly trying to make sense of it all while his brain keeps changing channels.

The stark, white studio set, great script and creative captioning interspersed with static crackles exudes nervous energy.

//Tuning In// was originally developed by Theatre by the Lake as part of the digital SPARK programme in 2021.

It’s a fascinating insight into the complexities of a neurodivergent mind. Reagan is trying to make sense of the world while also challenging it to make sense of him.

The blurb says: “This witty tour de force explores the destructive nature of disability prejudice, the damage caused by trying to fit in, and the risk involved in being who you are.”

There is a lot of humour, which was a welcome relief amid so much tension.

We all know about the anxieties of those first dates. Do we go in for a hello hand shake or hug? What will we talk about? Etc etc. Life is rarely easy for Reagan so he comes prepared – with a stack of cue cards in his pocket. He sticks to lemonade, has some pills in his pocket to calm the nerves and tries very hard to stay off the dance floor.

But, as we all expected (the blood was a bit of a give away) things don’t go to plan. He’s busted on the cue cards, loses his pills, hits the whisky - and dance floor.

Adam Fenton in //Tuning In// at Theatre by the Lake (Image: Supplied)

Adam was captivating to watch, as he cleverly switched between the roles of Reagan and Cameron and re-enacted the disastrous, awkward date.

There were lovely, lighter fleeting moments, when the pair physically and mentally connected.

//Tuning In// was a compelling one-hour but the dramatic, blood-filled opening scene put us all on edge regarding what horrors we were going to discover had happened. That anxiety never went away for me and was almost too distracting.

Although ultimately, this unique show was an intriguing glimpse into the thought processes of someone who lives life and processes thoughts differently to many others.

Adam and director Nickie Miles-Wildin portrayed this brilliantly. 

//Tuning In// runs until Thursday, June 15, at Theatre by the Lake, Keswick.