The poignancy of loss, namely memory loss, is the theme of Rob Gaetano’s one-man show My Pet, My Love.

Written in response to his Nonna, his Italian grandmother, suffering dementia for 12 years and watching the effect this had on his father, her son, Gaetano has created an original and often telling portrayal of his experiences. [More] 

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This is my first time in BATS’ new Studio space. Forty seats tops, a white box – air conditioned (thank you!) and intimate. Any performer taking it on is up close and personal with the audience. It is an ideal venue for this intimate and sensitive one man show.

My Pet, My Love is deeply personal to its creator and performer, Rob Gaetano. It is a tale of insecurities and fears to which most of us can relate.  

In the programme Rob hopes we can relate to his fears, laugh about them and be moved. The shark fear – thank you Rob from me, for laying out my own irrational fears verbatim. You have me from that moment on.

This piece is a mixture of monologue, mime and memories. Fractured memories of childhood, of first meetings – and memories that don’t exist but could. Fear is a game of ‘What if?’ Russian roulette we play with ourselves, and Gaetano pulls the trigger again and again. From the child whose imaginative world revolves around a blue fish called Bluey, to meeting a partner in a club for the first time, to his Nonna (grandmother) fading away into dementia. Some are sad, some funny, some hilarious, some confused.  

Gaetano’s performance is enhanced by Jai Leeworthy’s stunning soundscape and by simple but compelling lighting by Suze Smith and directing by Lily Fish. The nickel keys strewn across the stage is a great metaphor for memory and the sound of them hitting the floorboards is beautifully musical; like breaking glass. 

If there is nothing in this show that triggers your own fears or memories then there is still a worthwhile theatrical experience to be had. If, like me, you find resonances with which to empathise then the engagement is all the deeper for it.

Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer