Words: Kiera Harper
Image: Emma Jude Harris

4 Stars

“I’m Sorry… No, I’m not”

Is It Too Late Now To Say Sorry? Adam Lenson’s autobiographical solo show is apologetically deeply revealing.

Exploring what it means to apologise, Lenson recounts the many times in his life he’s felt sorry, from Sunday dinner with his family to arguments with friends, partner and fellow creatives. Alongside his own apologies, he highlights celebrities’ public apologies to discover what a true apology looks like.

Through dialogue, puppetry, audience interaction and song, Lenson comes to terms with his inability to have a time machine to apologise to everyone he wronged in his life. With this, he tells the audience about something his therapist told him: that you wouldn’t want a time machine, as if you’re in the past long enough, you’ll become that past self you’re apologising for. This seemed to be the underlying meaning of the show. That you’ll never make progress if your past mistakes trap you. The show tells the audience not that you should absolutely forget about every wrong thing you’ve done and that it doesn’t matter, but not to dwell on the past too much and do the work to ensure the wrongdoing doesn’t happen again so that you can forgive yourself as much as you want others to forgive you.

Is It Too Late Now To Say Sorry? is a man’s journey to find acceptance in his want to apologise and realisation that maybe apologising isn’t everything. While a few sections struggle to flow, the sentiment and vulnerability hold throughout, making this an incredibly thought-provoking show.

Is It Too Late Now To Say Sorry?
Red Lecture Theatre at Summerhall
12:15
6^th – 31^st August (no performances on the 17^th and 24^th)