one4review | On 07, Aug 2013

****

There is a lyrical quality about Ben Moor’s performance. His way with words is brilliantly conceived and he pushes the ironies of life to the limit. Yet his style of delivery is very emotionally restrained.

His story arises out of his break up with Radium, his wife. He is so devastated that he “puts all his energies into lethargy”. To make matters worse he has lost his job as a “corporate thwart”, the little known occupation of firing out silly ideas to scale down the enthusiasm of those working for a large company. Some of his suggestions actually became successful.

By chance, in his mood of depression, he meets a friend’s boy who keeps two of his four most prized possessions in a cardboard box. This the boy describes as his treasure. This Moor takes as his cue to think about the treasure in his life. Along the way, he meets interesting individuals such as Alice. She puts bits of information onto a life ring. Eventually, they agree to cohabit and Alice moves into his flat.

As his musings come to a conclusion, he reveals the discovery of his treasure which is both reassuring and heart-warming. A lovely hour with a skilled raconteur!

Reviewed by Ben

Pleasance Courtyard; 33

31 July to 26 August 2013

15.30 – 16.30

Fringe Programme Page Number: 276