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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
Tailor Made Love
Verdict: Moving, funny, endearing
John Brignoe & Son, Tailors, 'A Cut Above The Rest' says the sign - but it's a lie. John Brignoe's yearning for a son has cost him his marriage to Ann, and much of his sanity. It's a longing that earns him encounters with the FBI suspecting internet paedophilia, delivery of fake boys, tailor's-dummy fantasies, and the ridicule of the village.
And what a village this turns out to be, with visits from George Best, Sir Norman Wisdom, and residents including an East-End Mum stage-struck for her 5 year-old child, highly eccentric lord of the manor Lord Gabriel, local tramp Push-Ups, and unconventional priest Fr Steve Fraser.
Philip Brodie (aka Phil Brown) received a Fringe Report Award 03 for his inspirational work with Gareth Tunley in The Legendary Polowski Murders. Tailor Made Love showcases his remarkable abilities as a solo performer. The story of a solitary man, it's moving, penetrating, extremely funny, and gently endearing.
This clever and original play works directly upon our emotions. It's pure theatre, using the ability of a live human being on stage to work magic on the imaginations of the audience, and play directly with their suspension of disbelief. Theatre is always allowed to do this, but few plays or performers get in this close. Tailor Made Love works the territory of myth - that forms such a shadowy, but essential, part of our everyday lives.
It's well-structured, telling a story in a time-honoured but un-clichéd way, and littered with hilarious characters. John Sebastian Edgerton Brignoe's late mother, the gravel-voiced Duchess, resplendent in her urn above his wardrobe, constantly dispenses misunderstood proverbs. Lord Gabriel's a corker, with more than a passing resemblance to the Marquess of Bath. The highly entertaining and blasphemous Fr Steve Fraser recently enjoyed an outing at Ealing Live! 18 September 03. Here he has the pulpit (and the confessional) to himself. Midnight Mass will never be quite the same again.
There's a startling emotional intensity to Phil Brodie's performance. As an actor he evinces an almost tangible charisma. His ability to create extreme pathos, and also to deflect it with sharp humour astounds.
Tailor Made Love is a well-written play, carefully and inspirationally directed by John Hoggarth. The items making up the simple set are imaginatively chosen and complement the action exactly. There's an imaginative sound score, evocative and mood-enhancing. Lights are designed thoughtfully, and create specific moods formed around the play's dramatic moments and characterisations.
Cast Credits (alpha order):
Performer - Philip Brodie (aka Phil Brown). Writers (alpha order) - Phil Brodie, Andrew Clarkson. Devised by (alpha order) - Phil Brodie, Andrew Clarkson, John Hoggarth. Director - John Hoggarth. Technical Manager - Matt Bristo.
Credits - Latchmere Theatre: Technical Managers - Matt Bristo, Nick Hayman-Joyce. Literary Associate - Abigail Gonda. Associate Artist - Jennifer MacDonald. Associate Director - Phil Hewitt. Associate Director - Johnnie Lyne-Pirkis. Artistic Director - Paul Higgins.
END
John Park
reviewed 26 October 03 / Latchmere Theatre
related site - The Legendary Polowski
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
