A barefoot man, a naked stage and a chair. I would not call it a play; nor is it fair to say that Chris Larner is acting. He tells the true story of his ex-wife’s terminal illness and eventual resolution to commit suicide. It is tragic and wonderfully written with tangible honesty, and as his eyes shine with tears, mine do too; however, the careful humour employed sweetens the grave seriousness of it all. A talent that can draw in an audience so completely must not be underestimated. There is quiet dignity in the way assisted suicide is portrayed, leaving every viewer with their own moral dilemma. I have never been so enthralled; for one hour and ten minutes I wholly felt another person’s pain.
Pleasance Dome, 3 – 29 Aug (not 10, 17), 4.10pm (5.20pm), £8.00 – £10.00, fpp271.
tw rating 5/5
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Sections: by Sarah Mulvenna - ED2011 Theatre Reviews - tw rating 5/5 | Tags: Festival Highlights, The Pleasance
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