While a one-person show is not the same as a one-man band, there are some similarities. It can be used as a literal phrase as well as a saying. When referring to a basketball player who is responsible for the majority of the team’s scoring, someone might say “that guy is a one-man show.” It’s more commonly used as a literal phrase to describe a single person providing entertainment for one or more people.
A one-person show can be performed either a man or a woman, and it usually takes place in front of an audience in a live setting. The performer could be a musician, a comedian, a magician, or a spoken word artist, among other things. Comedy tournaments, slam poetry, and singer/songwriter competitions are all examples of one-person show competitions.
This type of show is frequently known for its shtick or gimmick. Gallagher, for example, was a well-known magician who performed smashing fruits and vegetables with a hammer. He’s basically a one-man show. Tommy Emanuel was a well-known acoustic guitarist who was known for making his guitar riffs sound like a full band. He almost always performed alone.
Under the umbrella of one-person shows, the term “one-man band” is perhaps the most popular. A single artist or entertainer performs live on a stage or on the street in this situation. The performer is a multi-instrumentalist who primarily plays guitar and sings. Entertainers, on the other hand, might get more creative with how they make sounds, attaching their arms and legs to strings that make percussive noises.
These types of performers can be found everywhere, from traditional music venues to bustling street corners. They frequently perform for tips and set up shop near busy pedestrian streets or crowded events. A one-person band frequently takes on the responsibilities of several people at the same time. The solo performer makes up for the lack of number of performers in the one-person show with his or her diversity. A talented and unique one-person show can make a living doing what they love, whether full-time or part-time.
A monologue can be thought of as a one-person show. Without the assistance of other people onstage, the man or woman performs comedy or a speech in front of an audience. Because no backing bands or outside entertainers are brought in to enhance the performance, a spoken word performance is similar to a one-person show.