The Martlet

Giant Invisible Robot, the story of a shy boy and his robot friend, is more than meets the eye.

The one-man show written by and starring Jayson McDonald is a pleasure to watch, as he realistically creates a far-from-invisible world of a young boy’s imagination.

McDonald deftly plays a multitude of characters: a hammy superhero, the attractive women upstairs and the titular G.I.R., among others.

McDonald uses his voice talent and a keen eye to produce creatively separate characters: the attractive woman daintily licks her fingers as she has a discussion with the physically slouching, fidgeting young boy; meanwhile a scientist arrogantly tells the audience his views from his extensive research of the G.I.R.

Giant Invisible Robot is a comedy with an emotional core. The boy’s only friend is his constant companion. The robot, despite being the boy’s friend, is incredibly destructive, destroying entire cities in his wake. But there is something deeper here. Is the robot merely a childhood right of passage, an imaginary friend? Or is it a psychological coping mechanism for an isolated, lonely little boy?

It is McDonald’s ability to realistically portray the shy, socially awkward boy that is the real gem in this show. The introduction, featuring him enthusiastically explaining Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back through a child’s eyes to his robot, draws the audience into the play. The innocent interpretation filled with excitement endears the audience to him, which is a necessity for the surprisingly emotional and touching climax.

Giant Invisible Robot is overall a well-paced, enthralling journey into a boy’s world that has a worthwhile pay-off.