one4review | On 09, Aug 2018

The Half centres around the reunion of a comedy double act who haven’t seen each other in the best part of a decade. Inhabiting a dressing room together for the first time in years, we are given a glimpse into the issues that drove them apart – ambition and success have been doled out in unequal measure and the implications of this are clear in their fractured relationship. However, there is much more to this tragic-comic play than the simple death of a partnership; woven throughout the hour runs a witty and timely exploration of the inequality and sexual harassment prevalent in the entertainment industry that overwhelmingly affects female performers and derails promising careers.

Written by Danielle Ward and performed sensitively by Anna Crilly and Margaret Cabourn-Smith, The Half is a play that expertly balances both its comedy and its tragedy. As the narrative flits between the past and the present, adding depth to the characters in front of us, we learn that all is perhaps not as it first appears. There is a twist to this play that we may have known was coming, but did not expect to be as powerful when it arrives.

The Half is an hour of theatre that showcases some of the very best talent on the Fringe. If you’re looking for a quality production to start your day then I’d thoroughly recommend grabbing a ticket.

*****

Guest Reviewer

Pleasance Upstairs

14.00 to 15.00

Until 26th (not 13th)