‘The Phantom Of The Fringe’ is not ready for its close-up. Carmen Garcia Lorca launches herself into the role of a mad, fame-obsessed former starlet (think ‘Sunset Boulevard’), but this one-woman play is just too bonkers to take seriously. Garcia Lorca wriggles around in a sleeping bag, thrashes about in her underwear and even simulates a sex act. I think most of it is meant to be amusing, but is only bemusing. The show is at its best when Garcia Lorca interacts with the audience, leading to some genuinely comic moments, but ironically the piece loses its way when she returns to the script. Though go if you like to be shocked, perplexed and a little scared.

Spotlites @ The Merchants’ Hall, until 26 Aug, 9.55pm.
tw rating 2/5 | [Melissa Steel]