Be Prepared
By Jeanette Stewart, The StarPhoenix
Published: Monday, August 06, 2007
Be Prepared
Movable Feast Productions
**** (4 Stars)

Who needs a life coach or a therapist with storyteller Matthew Bellwood in town?
As he expounds at the start of his show, nothing big or important has happened to him his entire life. Yet, he looks at everyday events with a poet's eye, searching them for truths to share with his audience.
In his hour-long show (which seemed far shorter), he stands on stage alone and delivers stories that come out like stream-of-consciousness poetry. Some are brief, some longer, but each is about nothing and everything all at the same time.
Bellwood only brought a few props from the UK with him, perhaps to prove the authenticity of his stories, and for the humour that comes from bringing a mechanical hand through customs.
He also does something special in explaining his sexuality. The way he lays his homosexuality out at the start helps demonstrate how relationships - no matter who they are between - are all very much the same.
A special spark shines out of this gifted performer. Bellwood has a remarkable gift in his ability to take everyday situations and turn them into something profound without us even realizing until he's finished his story, given his cheeky smile and a thumbs-up to the audience.
This show should be titled How to Be a Better Person. There is nothing but goodness shining through in this performance. His gift to us is a little bit of happiness and a reminder of just how fragile, beautiful and, yes, important our lives are, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem.
© The StarPhoenix 2007