CRITICAL ACCLAIM

‘A fresh sense of humanity’ The Stage

‘A masterpiece’ Broadway Baby

★★★★★  (BroadwayBaby.com)

★★★★★  (Britishtheatreguide.info)

★★★★★  (MyTheatreMates.com)

★★★★★  (Edinburgh Guide)

★★★★  (The Stage)

★★★★★ (Fringe Guru)

★★★★ (Edinburgh Reporter)

★★★★★  (Essential Surrey & Southwest)

★★★★ (Spy From the Stalls)

★★★★ (The Upcoming)

RECENT AUDIENCE REVIEWS (From the Edinburgh Fringe Website)

Jon Scordia . 6 days ago

This was the absolute highlight of our Fringe. A very moving true story brought to life by an excellent actor. And a story that needs to be told, lest we forget.

Charlotte Parker-Smith . 6 days ago

A truly brilliant show by the hugely talented David William Bryan. A true story which is performed with a great balance of tension, emotion and humour. David engages with the audience both during and after the show and it is obvious how much hard work he has put in to make it as brilliant as it is. One of the best Fringe shows I have seen. I hope David returns next year and for years to come to perform this fantastic show.

Harry O'Driscoll . 9 days ago

An Incredible performance that runs through the complete emotional gamut. The way the production is able to evoke the chaos and turmoil of War will unlike anything I’ve seen at the Fringe. Do not miss this one.

Anthony Mitchell . 10 days ago

This man is so very talented; Your emotions will be shredded but it is completely worth it. What an inspiration to any actor and playwright to combine such skill into one hour. See this if you can.

ali hogg . 11 days ago

Excellent performance. Very moving. Gripping to the end.

R.F. 12 days ago

A 5 star show. What shall I say: I was moved by story and taken by the physical play of David William Bryan. Go and see it.

Neil Robertson . 12 days ago

Go and see this if it’s the only show you see. It’s incredible. It’s heartwarming, it’s heartbreaking. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry. You’ll be inspired. Great job, David. Sorry I couldn’t shake your hand after but you’ll thank me when you don’t get my cold!

Dave Lake . 13 days ago

David William Bryan is a masterful playwright and actor who has two breath-taking shows at the Fringe - this show "In Loyal Company" which is back again after sold out performances last year, and "Fragility of Man". Both are MUST SEE performances both of which are at the time heart-breaking and inspirational.

Nicola Dealtry . 14 days ago

I was moved to tears by this show. Left me reeling. Don’t miss. *****

Jordan Stratton . 15 days ago

Was completely blown away by the pure amazement that David William Bryan produced on stage. The storytelling and adaptation of this heartbreaking, spell-bounding, emotional rollercoaster of a real life World War Two story had me smiling, laughing and tearing up frequently. David showed me his A* class acting talents in this performance and proves to be a true inspiration for any inspiring actor, including myself to keep doing what we love doing for the sake of doing. One of the best onstage actors you will ever get the pleasure to witness. Can’t wait to see what’s next for this talented actor.

Emerlist . 15 days ago

An outstanding show. A gripping story well told. One of our favourite shows this year.
He got a standing ovation at the end, and fully deserved it.

Elissa Nicholson 15 days ago

Absolutely fantastic performance - genuinely couldn't believe it was just one man onstage!
The level of energy, commitment and work (both physical and mental) that goes into this piece, especially considering he has to do it every day, is unbelievable. 
Every character was easily distinguishable- from their accents to their physicality and 'ticks'. 
Incredible tech as well! The lighting and sound helped to create the perfect atmosphere and really brought to life the world we were in. 
All in all an outstanding performance, would DEFINITELY recommend - if you can get tickets of course! ;)

Caroline Bateman . 15 days ago

#EdinbughFringe19 @DavidWBryan Fantastic, moving impressive performance. Get a ticket if you can.

Chris Green . 17 days ago

Arthur 'Joe' Robinson's gruelling WWII experiences on the Burma railroad and in Japanese prison camps are sadly not of themselves out of the ordinary - they were experiences that scarred many soldiers for the rest of their lives. What David William Bryan does in this show is to make such experiences personal as he transforms from Wirral jack-the-lad, through anxious recruit to the dysentery-ravaged and tubercular shell that returns home to Birkenhead. There was to be no happy ending in life for Joe, but the humanity that his great-nephew Bryan brings to the telling of his story in this gruelling but ultimately rewarding show helps bring about a form of redemption.

Julie Phillips . 18 days ago

I was exhausted just watching him. A moving, spell binding performance. We have booked his other show and will be looking out for him when we return next year. 5* from me

Imagian . 19 days ago

Performing solo for a full hour in front of a packed house, David William Bryan honours the memory of his great-uncle Arthur who suffered horribly during WW2 having signed up to do his best to help his family and community in war torn Merseyside. This authentic and moving portrayal brings to life the horror and human suffering of the war, while retaining the very human and family values that enable individuals to survive its awfulness. A riveting and compelling performance from one of the most talented actors I have seen anywhere in any setting. Do try and see it for yourself.

Deborah Nicholson . 19 days ago

Our cast have been following the journey of this dedicated actor for a few months now.I've used several of his video posts as inspiration or motivation. Most of our actors got in to see him before me AND blew their ticket budgets on seeing both shows - but I finally managed it yesterday'.Such an amazing talent. I saw the step, felt the tropical heat, slapped the mozzies off my ankles and smelled the Sunday Scouse. Incredibly honed and crafted storytelling. Kudos to you and your team. Thank you.

Paul Harwood . 20 days ago

Brilliant: touching, witty, well-acted, heart-rending. Deserving of its growing reputation. A marvellous story told with heart and guts.

Huw Jenkins . 20 days ago

I was transfixed and transported by this story told so well. Thank you very much.

Inson . 23 days ago

Moving, powerful, talented performer. My teenage children also really enjoyed it. Highly recommend this show.

Brian Bromley . 23 days ago

I have difficulty walking so thanks to the venue for your help. Such a brilliant account of a soldier’s life. I journeyed with the child through to manhood and the horror of warfare at sea and on land. I felt devastated with the “surrender” and completely immersed in his account of life in the prison camp. There was always hope in getting back to Liverpool. Humour was rare, but was a relief from the intensity of the horror. Superb performance and a fitting tribute to the performer’s family. 
I’d recommend this to you if you want to see a genuine actor perform. It was an acting demonstration of the highest classification.

Sean Davis . 25 days ago

In Loyal Company (*****)
After the blitz of Liverpool, a young man joins the army, fights in Singapore, and becomes a Japanese POW in a “Bridge Over the River Kwai” camp building a railroad in Thailand. The actor proves up to the task of blending the roles of the soldier, narrator, and a few secondary characters into a powerful whole. While the privations of the POW camp take up much of the play, it is his tales of the air attacks on his transport that stand out for me.

This was the most enjoyable of the 43 shows I have seen so far this year. You may see my other similarly short reviews, in order from most enjoyable to worst, at my non-commercial website: www.fringefan.com.

Tai Chen . 27 days ago

A moving retelling with passionate, energetic acting that brings alive the humanity, sorrow, and dedication of one man's story that should not be forgotten. The production is complemented by excellent lighting and sound effects. An outstanding performance.

Helen H . 29 days ago

An terrific solo performance, at turns funny, poignant and moving. Not to be missed