one4review | On 20, Aug 2024

It probably speaks to my disposition that, for whatever reason, nothing sells me on a Fringe show quicker than the mention that it contains a PowerPoint Presentation as it’s main narrative device. In Sorry (I Broke Your Arms and Legs), writer-performer James Akka brings some excellent early 2000s PowerPoint game, as he plays twelve-year old Sam Wilson of Class 8C. Sam has a simple goal – to be his school’s Head Boy. There’s only one minor hiccough in that he just broke another boy’s arms and legs. But Sam believes that if he can just apologise well enough, he might still be in with a chance…

Once you’ve got past the objectively awkward name of the show to its fun and intriguing premise, you’re in for a great time. Akka’s performance as Sam is all-too convincing, portraying Sam’s awkward pre-pubescent neuroses in a way that, while exaggerated, never feels like a caricature. I’m sure Sam’s machine-gun nervous laugh and impulse to remind everyone how clever he is will resonate with parents and teachers alike, and, honestly, gave me cringe-inducing flashbacks of myself at that age. Sam is a swot and in many other people’s story would be the annoying teacher’s pet, but he’s a surprisingly likable main character as he details, bit by bit, all the events that led up to him making the titular apology. And to top it off, it’s very funny too.

I think most audience members should know from the pitch if this will be the show for them – I know I did. If you like you comedy with character, cleverness and all in Comic Sans, then this is the show for you.

*****
Reviewed by Tom
Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker Three
14.05 (1hr)
Until 25th Aug