I marvel that how one person under a spotlight on stage can deliver personal stories that keeps the audience enthralled for one riveting hour.

A monologue is defined as one person speaking on stage to inform and or entertain an audience. Monologues can be a bit of a yawn or if done well, thought provoking, emotional, funny and entertaining. Fortunately, Rob Carlton’s performance of his one man show, Willing Participant, fits firmly in the latter.

When not in acting role, Rob and his writer wife Adrienne Ferreira, run Brave Words events on the Central Coast, NSW where people tell “True Stories Told Well”. That’s exactly what happened when Rob Carlton performed four stories featuring aspects of his life at the State Theatre in Perth.

Rob’s stories are told and acted out in such a way, that I experienced moments of incredible sadness to great hilarity on a rollercoaster of emotions. You are hanging off every well-crafted word.

Rob Carlton acting credits include The Hollowmen, Underbelly and playing Kerry Packer in Paper Giants to name a few. It therefore should be no surprise that Rob’s four stories are brilliantly told and acted out. His delivery, pace and acting ability is vividly on display.

The story of his father is especially poignant, leaving hardly a dry eye in the house. I thoroughly recommend Willing Participant performed by Rob Calton and directed by Darren Gilshenan. It’s wonderful to experience a brilliant performer on top his game in such an intimate setting.