A comedic and heartfelt ode to elder care
In 2020, Ben Target gave up his comedy career to look after his irascible octogenarian uncle, Lorenzo, during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this autobiographical hour, he shares acute insights into caregiving, interweaving melancholy and hilarity.
Forthright and funny, Ben unflinchingly documents the reality and the often unspoken aspects of caring for an aging loved one. Through his deeply personal tale we reflect on common preoccupations: what we leave behind in death, who and what shape the way we are remembered, and how to face disappointing ourselves when we are painfully human.
There will be a pre-show Touch Tour for VocalEye patrons at 6 pm, with light refreshments provided. Please confirm your attendance at the Touch Tour when booking your tickets and Theatre Buddy.
Tickets
VocalEye patrons are eligible for a 50% discount on tickets for this show. Purchase online using the coupon code VOCALEYE. For assistance purchasing tickets or to inquire about other community rates, please email PuSh or call 604-449-6000.
Part of the 2024 PuSh Festival
Written and performed by Ben Target
Directed by Adam Brace and Lee Griffiths
Produced by Soho Theatre
Find out what else is hot and accessible at this year’s Accessible PuSh Preview Almost Live Zoom on January 17 with Accessibility Coordinator Andrea Cownden.
Reviews
“This auto-biographical piece muses almost carelessly between themes of family, legacy, life and love whilst gently breaking our hearts before scooping us back up with a laugh.” –A Youngish Perspective
“End-of-life care comedy is joyful and surprising” –The Guardian
“A compassionate and tender hour of theatre that will have you holding your loved ones a little closer than before.” –Longstaff Reviews
Resources
Artist Bio
Ben Target (he/they) is a multi-award-winning comedian, performance artist, writer, actor and director. He was born in Singapore and has lived a peripatetic life in London, Voorschoten, Houston, Jakarta and Paris. In 2011, he won the national stand-up accolade, the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year. In 2012, his debut comedy show Discover Ben Target was nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer, toured to Australia and New Zealand, and was filmed as a special for the streaming service NextUp Comedy. He returned to the Edinburgh Fringe with Hooray for Ben Target (2014), Imagine There’s No Ben Target (It’s Easy If You Try) (2015), Orangeade (2017) and Splosh! (2018).
He has starred and co-starred in several comedy shows over the last decade, including Richard Gadd’s Waiting for Gaddot (Amused Moose Comedy Award for Best Show, 2015). As a director and dramaturg, Ben has worked with Kieran Hodgson (Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2023), John Hastings, Rob Copland, Katie Pritchard, and more. He has written for Joe Lycett (BBC Three) and Jamali Maddix (Channel 4), and teaches stand-up comedy at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Soho Theatre and Angel Comedy.
