one4review | On 13, Aug 2024

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this show described as an existential comedy show.

Graham Dickson performs this character piece. The premise of the show is that Graham is a struggling actor, who has just broken up with his girlfriend, and is desperate to land an acting job. To this end, the show is interrupted by a phone call from his agent asking him to submit an audition tape, like immediately.

An audience member is required to assist and read out lines to which Graham will act out his. On a screen on the stage we see Graham’s taped audition as he acts out the lines. It is a clever idea but does become a little repetitive as a third audience member is asked to read out another set of written lines to feed to Graham.

There is a loose plot of a recurring theme of a moth invasion projected on to the screen but it is all a little incoherent.

Graham is a talented performer who trained in theatre in New York. He performs improv and is clearly at home in comedy theatre.

The character of the posh struggling actor desperate to work and land a role lacks charm and therefore you never really feel empathy for.

There are some twists and turns and funny moments and it is a clever concept but I’m not sure that it was executed as well as it could have been.

***1/2
Reviewed by Margot
The Pleasance (10 Dome)
July 31st to Aug 26th @ 17:50