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ED2018 2/5 Reviews ED2018 Theatre Reviews
Offstage (Ephemeral Ensemble)
By Andy Leask | Published on Sunday 19 August 2018
As an attempt to do something different with clowning, this should be applauded. A series of largely wordless routines form a loose narrative as Pedro, one of a pair of clowns, battles depression offstage, even while smiling before his audience. It’s an important topic, and a commendable one to explore, albeit one that’s been mined heavily before (the tears of a clown trope is well worn). My problem with the performance is that it doesn’t work as theatre, or as simple entertainment. There are a few effective scenes – the mirroring work is excellent, as is a comic scene featuring party blowers – but too often the routines are neither funny, nor dramatic, leaving the audience cold.
Pleasance Dome, until 27 Aug.
tw rating 2/5 [Andy Leask]
