Tim Crouch’s An Oak Tree is unlike anything I have seen before. Known for pushing the boundaries of experimental theatre, Crouch takes things even further in this production at the Young Vic. Each performance features a different well-known guest actor who joins Crouch on stage with little preparation. At this particular performance, the guest was Jessie Buckley.

What unfolds is a series of fragmented scenes, with Buckley receiving instructions live from Crouch, reading from scripts, and embodying various characters, sometimes as if under hypnosis, sometimes seemingly as herself. The result is an intentionally disjointed, often bewildering experience. Crouch blurs the lines between performance and reality, keeping the audience questioning what’s rehearsed, what’s spontaneous, and what’s imagined.

I admire Crouch’s commitment to theatrical experimentation and his refusal to conform to traditional narratives. There’s clearly a deeper message at play – about grief, identity, or perhaps the act of performance itself – but it’s not always easy to grasp. At times, the piece feels so abstract that it risks alienating its audience. Moments that might carry emotional weight are occasionally undercut by confusion: are we watching actors, or just people trying to make sense of the moment?

Nevertheless, Crouch remains a compelling stage presence – nervy, unpredictable, and oddly endearing. His offbeat humour and sudden bursts of silliness add some welcome levity to an otherwise elusive piece.

While An Oak Tree didn’t quite land for me, it’s undeniably a bold theatrical experiment. With a different guest actor each night, every performance promises a new dynamic and fresh unpredictability. If you’re curious about unconventional theatre, or simply intrigued by the impressive line-up of guest stars, then this may intrigue you.

Tim Crouch’s An Oak Tree runs at the Young Vic until 24th May.