Coming across like ‘The Office’ directed by Jean Paul Sartre, Odd Comic’s surreal site specific piece puts unsuspecting audiences through the familiar, demeaning process of a job interview. Guiding proceedings subtly at first, then progressively more outrageously, co-devisers Holly Bodmer and Dot Howard play doomed candidates with convincing commitment. Damaged, paranoid and competitive as they are, they remain strangely likeable, and there are some touching moments amongst the bickering and one upping. As with the performance as a whole, your mileage will vary depending on how many terrible interviews you’ve attended and how funny you find cringing silences, but this is a bold, silly performance. What’s more, it’s exactly the kind of unconventional, unexpected piece which makes the Fringe so exciting.

Pleasance at Essential Edinburgh, 3-18 Aug, times vary.
tw rating 4/5 | [Dave Fargnoli]