Getting Rekt (An Evening Star)

Getting Rekt, written and performed by Jamie Nowski, is a charming and unexpectedly moving one-man show currently playing at the Union Theatre.

At its heart, the play is a story about identity, connection and an unlikely friendship. It follows a young man with dreams of becoming a rapper, but who struggles to make his lyrics feel personal, alongside an older woman living with dementia whose dream for her 86th birthday is to see sunflowers in December. Their two worlds collide in a story that manages to find plenty of humour in the everyday, while gradually revealing something much more heartfelt underneath.

One of the most impressive aspects of the production is Nowski’s ability to move seamlessly between characters. With no other performers on stage, the responsibility of creating an entire cast rests entirely on him, and the transitions between the young rapper and the older woman, alongside other minor characters, are particularly impressive. Each character feels distinct, allowing the audience to follow the story without ever losing sight of who is speaking, despite the rapid shifts between them.

The production also makes excellent use of lighting and sound to create a world that, physically, barely exists on stage. There is no set, yet Nowski convincingly mimes actions such as putting something into a bin, with the corresponding sound effect timed perfectly to his movement. These small details demonstrate just how much can be created with sound, timing and performance alone.

There are moments where Getting Rekt does feel as though it could benefit from a little more pace. Some sections begin to drag slightly, particularly towards the middle of the show. However, given this was the first night of the run, this feels like something that could naturally tighten as the production settles into its rhythm.

Ultimately, for a small-scale production with just one performer and an almost completely bare stage, Getting Rekt creates a surprisingly rich world, and Nowski’s performance is at the centre of it.

Theatre: Union Theatre

Reviewer: Em Davison

Date: 21/09/2026

Stars: 4