The Story Of My Life, Stage Door Theatre Review

Written by Bronagh for Theatre and Tonic.

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own.

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The Staqe Door Theatre is a quirky space above the Prince of Wales pub, a stone’s throw from London’s West End. The space buzzes with audience members eating dinner, and catching up with friends before Tom (Markus Sodergren) takes his place on the stage, ready to make a start on his best friend Alvin’s (Tim Edwards) eulogy following his death, which is shrouded in mystery.

We’re transported to the States and the school where Tom and Alvin meet as young students. They quickly become best friends and spend time in Alvin’s dad’s bookshop, The Writers Block, where Tom gets a taste of the wonderful world of literature. The pair’s lives pan out differently, with Tom choosing to go to college in the big city, whereas Alvin stays behind to look after his dad and help run The Writer’s Block. Time takes a toll on their friendship, with Tom becoming a bestselling author and Alvin staying behind to look after his sick father and take care of The Writers Block. Ultimately Alvin remains the muse for many of Tom’s literary works, years of friendship condensed into short stories. The Story of My Life explores how friendship can change over time, in a series of flashbacks and moments in the present with some very charming and memorable musical numbers throughout.

The Story of My Life is one of the most moving shows that I have seen this year. The story itself could easily ring true to anybody who has experienced how friendships can go wrong and how they can change over many years. Many years of friendship are visited throughout the show, with some touching moments and moments where Tom feels exasperated by his old friend and his life path. The audience really feels the emotion portrayed by Sodergren and Edwards, a particular moment being when Alvin’s late mother’s robe is thrown over a bridge by a school bully. This moment appears to bring tears to the audience members’ eyes, as we pinpoint the moment where Alvin’s heart breaks, Tom is further exasperated by his friend and the friendship begins to fracture.

Markus Sodergren and Tim Edwards are two extremely talented actors, whose performances make The Story of My Life so charming. The chemistry between the two is outstanding, and it really is like watching two old friends on the stage. From when they’re children making snow angels up until adulthood experiencing loss, no beat is missed. The pair particularly excelled when playing the younger Tom and Alvin, the childlike glee and excitement radiating from them.

The set designed by David Shields is a simple apartment with a desk and bookcases scattered around also transformed into The Writers Block, the bridge and funeral settings.  The limited space is used well, with Sodergren and Edwards also venturing into the audience. Situated next to the stage are our musicians; Aaron Clingham on piano, Becky Hughes on oboe, clarinet and triangle and Pippa Mason on cello. I liked that a live band was used, clearly production team were ready for a challenge with the small space! This challenge was won, and marvellously so. The music was a dream to listen to, Sodergren and Edwards’ voices also brought the house down at times and would not be out of place in a West End production.

The Story of My Life is a show that I seriously cannot find any fault with, and there is nothing I would change. I absolutely loved the show and the messages conveyed. My heart sunk at times, but was suitably warmed in others. The Story of My Life left me thinking of my friendships, and a reminder of taking the time to check in with people. I would certainly watch this brilliant show again, and wholeheartedly recommend trying to get to The Stage Door Theatre before the run ends. Bravo to all involved!

At The Stage Door Theatre until 19th October 2024

★ ★ ★ ★ ★