These are some of the bold questions asked by Missing, currently showing as part of the Blue Room Theatre’s Summer Nights Program. The answers we get are never straightforward or easy, but they do paint a confronting picture of a desperate and destructive life on the streets.

Jack is a young Irish man who has gone missing. The interesting thing is that he returned. We meet him in his therapist’s office, fixated on her legs and frustrated with the session. It is here that Jack opens up about life on the streets, his family and inner demons. It is also here that Jack refuses to talk about certain things, some are too painful, others he can’t even remember. His account takes us through what seems like a checklist of bad experience; drug induced benders, homelessness, theft and heartache.

The set consists of a single black couch, nothing more is needed. James Helm is charismatic and dangerous as Jack. His natural comedic timing works well with the witty and daring script. Director Michael McCall brings a constant energy and driving force to the story while giving nuance to important moments.

Helm’s performance pays close attention to Sandi Buckley’s script. The concept of missing persons has been explored countless times in theatre, often from the viewpoint of those left behind. But there are always two sides to a story and this fresh take on the issue deals with a very different journey. Buckley’s worldly script asks some intelligent questions and speaks volumes of truth. She questions what creates and defines a man right down to the definition of the word missing. Jack’s take on the word is particularly enlightening to his situation.

At times the script does get lost in it’s own detail and you find yourself questioning where events or people fit into Jack’s chronology, but focus on this and you will find yourself playing catch up to the hard hitting pace.

For a play that tackles a very heavy subject, Missing doesn’t let this drag it down. It is a carefully constructed piece of theatre that has true heart and finds a comfortable balance between drama and comedy. A must-see show during the Fringe Festival.