****

The Pride is a dark comedy, surreal in content and completely absorbing in its execution. It opens in a light-hearted way. Bruce and Linda appear to be a happily married lion couple with a family of 10 cubs who are only seen briefly and represented as cuddly toys. Bruce buys gifts for Linda. There is plenty of “I love you” and high fives, but marital tension does begin to appear. Bruce is a dissembler when asked to do things around the house and Linda is something of a nagger – no doubt here of an allegory of human behaviour!

Enter James, the newly arrived young single lion from next door. At first, the two males seem to bond as James is willing to help Bruce in his home with a feature wall decoration. Soon however, discord develops when Linda is off stage as Bruce sees a threat to his territorial space. From this point on, the tension mounts as a battle of wills is played out.

What enthrals is how will this conflict be resolved between Bruce and James, and will Bruce and Linda’s marriage survive? The three actors gave outstanding performances ranging from comedy farce to athletic, physical action. However, since they were not miked up and there was a backing sound track to give a sense of atmosphere, some of the dialogue was difficult to hear clearly. My advice, find a seat near the front to get the best of the action.

Reviewed by Ben

Underbelly Cowgate/Belly Button; 61

2 to 26 August 2012 (not 13)

18.20 – 19.25

Fringe Programme Page Number: 311