Diary of a Badminton Player

5 Stars Meet Colin Codsgrove. Well, you probably know him already. He’s the man who, depending on the intensity of your cynicism, is either someone who – despite their questionable talents – refuses to give up the struggle, or is the sad geek who insists on continually adding to his tragic heap of hopelessness. Yes, you know Colin. Oh yes, you do. Think about it. He’s the guy you’re sitting opposite on a train journey from London to Carlisle, the obsessive who bores you to the state of mental collapse, banging on about a subject in which you have not the slightest interest. Written and performed by Steve Wilson, this play is, at times, almost frighteningly revealing. But crucially, it is a fine-tuned observation of the human condition. And it is simply brilliant. Wilson’s keen sense of comic timing that never fails to hit the mark. And despite the lingering shadows of human frailty being ever-present, the humour of the piece always somehow manages to dilute the innate tragedy of the subject. Diary of a Badminton Player is surely one of this summer’s must-see theatrical experiences. Deftly directed by Owen Harper of Worcester Theatres, this is the funniest, yet most poignant play I have seen for some time, and is thoroughly recommended.