[Del] begins with a concerned shout, the resounding crack of a branch, and a light on a body, prostrate on the floor. The play is a close examination of an intimate writer-performer relationship, and the follies they both commit. It's a sensitive and darkly-comic script written by its two central actors Peter Easterbrook and Jonathan Higgs.

Mike Brady's lighting design makes the most of a fairly basic and natural set up. There's an experiment with ethereal green lighting which compliments the mood of Niall (Peter Easterbrook) in a moment of subtle, witty reflection.

[Del] tells the story of Niall, a writer wracked with insecurity, and Mike (Jonathan Higgs), the unlikely leading man who performs Niall's material under the pseudonym Caleb Johnson so that it might gain the recognition it deserves.

The story, although at times contrived, is engaging to watch as Mike and Niall's friendship becomes fraught through Mike's success. It explores their relationship with a hands-on approach (given that the actors playing them are the playwrights). Mike gets most of the on-stage time. As Jonathan Higgs's performance warms up, Mike's fall from grace acknowledges the fine-tunings of human error. The character does not develop seamlessly - his ambition is not recognised early on, which leaves the narrative confused at the actions he eventually takes. This may be why Jonathan Higgs's performance feels hesitant in the opening scenes. It is particularly noticeable in interview scenes between his Mike and Lynda (Elinor Nixon).

These two characters seem (as characters) to lack a rapport from the start which results in their uniting moment - signified by a simple kiss on the cheek from Lynda - falling a bit flat. For a production which maintains a grasp on human instinct in many other parts, it is a weak link. A few more moments of Niall struggling with his insecurities could have been interesting. These scenes are well-written: Peter Easterbrook's Niall has a flavour of subtle reality and a flair for understated comedy which matches the writing's approach to the indulgent world of flash-in-the-pan celebrity.

[Del] comes across as a well-observed play with a humble approach to the intricate world of comedy - with that world's familiar over-confident and under-confident characters.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Mick Cooper - John / Cat. Elinor Dixon - Lynda. Peter Easterbrook - Niall. Jonathan Higgs - Mike / Caleb. Gareth Williams - Rodd / Man.

Company Credits: Writer - Peter Easterbrook. Writer - Jonathan Higgs. Director - Peter Easterbrook. Director - Jonathan Higgs. Lighting Designer - Mike Brady. Sound Designer - Mike Brady. Technical Operator - uncredited. Producer - uncredited. Company - Malengin. Company - www.malengin.com.

END

(c) Alexandra Kavanagh 2011

reviewed Wednesday 10 August 2011 / Point Hotel, Edinburgh, UK

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com