Martin Decker: DAD – A Cinematic Triumph in Fatherhood’s Messy Reality
Keiron Self and Kevin Jones have pulled off something special with Martin Decker: DAD at the Sherman Theatre—a one-man show that boldly embraces its core audience of White, cisgender men. In a theatrical landscape that often prioritizes broader, more diverse narratives, DAD dares to speak directly to a demographic that can sometimes feel like theatre isn’t written for them, addressing their experiences with honesty, humor, and refreshing relatability.
From the moment Martin Decker steps into the spotlight, it’s clear this isn’t just another exploration of fatherhood—it’s a reckoning with the emotional restraints imposed by masculinity itself. The show tackles themes that resonate deeply with men who have grown up in environments where vulnerability was discouraged, where feelings were bottled up rather than shared. There’s something undeniably poignant about watching this unfold in a space designed for—and performed by—a man who understands that dynamic firsthand.
Keiron Self’s performance is magnetic, a whirlwind of self-deprecating humor, cinematic nostalgia, and raw confession. His storytelling, woven with nods to classic father figures from film, plays like a reflection of the unspoken struggles many men have faced—the weight of expectations, the quiet disappointments, the silent resilience. But what makes DAD special is its delivery: despite its emotional depth, it never loses its levity. It’s packed with the best kind of humor—dad humor—the sort that sneaks up on you, leaving you chuckling before you realize how much truth is nestled within the punchlines.
The writing is razor-sharp, balancing self-awareness with unflinching honesty. The staging is minimal but effective, reinforcing the intimacy of the performance while allowing cinematic grandeur to slip through—a flickering projector light here, a perfectly timed score there. It’s theatre that understands its audience, refusing to talk down to them or over-intellectualize their experiences.
By the final moments, Martin Decker: DAD has done something remarkable. It has created space for men to see themselves—flawed, funny, struggling, enduring—on stage, in a narrative that acknowledges them without judgment. Whether you grew up idolizing Indiana Jones, Al Pacino, or even the quiet resilience of a father figure who never quite measured up, the play resonates. It’s a celebration of imperfection, of upbringing, and of the small, often unspoken stories that shape who we become.
★★★★★ – A knockout performance, smart writing, and the kind of emotional honesty that lingers long after the curtain falls. If you love cinema, theatre, and a rare moment of reflection on the emotional weight men carry, Martin Decker: DAD is unmissable.
