As a young actor, Steve Burns wanted to be Al Pacino. He carried Uta Hagen’s message to him in his autograph book. Then he became the star of a children’s TV show, and it sent his life spiralling in different directions. He went from being called to the bedside of a dying child to dating a Playboy model to struggling with his mental health. Fame led to him arguing with a stranger in the street about whether he was dead or not, so strong was a bizarre rumour about his demise. Burns mixes live storytelling and video address to replicate his TV communication style well. It’s a unique story told in an engaging, touching and humorous way. Well worth seeing.

Underbelly, Cowgate, until 30 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Tom Brogan]