Review: Nathan D’Arcy Roberts: Present/Tense

What a pleasure it is watching a show about identity from a confident storyteller with real star potential. Nathan D’Arcy Roberts announces right at the top that he doesn’t really know what this hour is about because he’s too deep into it. Even if that’s true, it doesn’t matter a jot because there’s so much great material here.
 
He talks about the “Where are you from from?” question, sharing some illuminating responses to his racial ambiguity, as well as dipping into DNA, family (handling several uncomfortable truths with ease), his girlfriend and observations on city life, never once losing momentum.
 
His simile to explain the difference between anger and rage issues will stay with you for some time, as will his theories about certain retail specialists, and one particular flight of fancy in a prison environment.
 
There are a few stand-out bits that really show off what D’Arcy Roberts is capable of, and it’s worth buying a ticket just to hear his truly excellent story about an encounter with a couple of guys in San Francisco. There’s some lovely acting in this winning sequence too. Definitely one to watch.