This unassuming solo-show is the best kind of Fringe surprise. Simple staging, and apparent nerves belie an accomplished script, delivered with disarmingly endearing charm. Eric Weiner is compelling as Charlie Katz; the show takes us through Charlie’s life, structured like a sonnet. From early romantic misadventures, to finding love in later life, the performance is intricately structured, yet feels devoid of artifice. We laugh a lot – it was much funnier than I expected – but it’s also unflinchingly honest. We share in all of Charlie’s flaws, following him through loves lost and found, through anger and acceptance, at times even hating him. But, as the script notes, hating someone means you still love them: in the end, we all loved Charlie.

theSpace on the Mile, until 29 Aug.
tw rating 5/5 | [Andy Leask]