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Addict

 
Ben Humphrey Review by Ben Humphrey 5 Published: 6 Aug 2024 theSpace on the Mile Show Dates: 2 Aug 2024-17 Aug 2024

Addict introduces us to the central character of John, who, after a tweet (or whatever it is we're meant to call them these days) goes viral, slips into the murky world of social media addiction. A spiralling set of circumstances, actions and missteps lead John further down the rabbit hole, and we see just how damaging leading a double life (online and actual) can be.

Utterly compelling, unsettlingly relatable and a must-see offering at this year's Fringe

Craig Barclay's natural and effortlessly conversational style retains a skilful theatrical delivery as he swaps seamlessly between the likeable John and his enigmatically dangerous alter ego Joe; a masterful performance from a superbly skilled actor.

The writing is nuanced and delicate but pulls no punches as it dissects the loathsome nature of the necessary evil that has become a part of everyday life, and the direction keeps the subject material from becoming too downbeat with many well-honed and unexpected moments of comedy.

I don't want to write too much more about Addict as it is a show that will be better experienced first-hand, but in short, this is an excellent piece of work. Utterly compelling, unsettlingly relatable and a must-see offering at this year's Fringe.

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The Blurb:

31 words. Two lives ruined. John can take or leave social media, until his tweet goes viral. Then the trolls attack. With his pride dented John seeks revenge, creating an alter-ego to expose his abusers, with devastating consequences. As John gets sucked deeper into his darker online world, his life quickly falls apart at the seams. A rollercoaster ride for anyone who’s ever posted online, Addict portrays the power and perils of the internet and the cloak of anonymity it gives those who spread toxicity and hate, making social media terrifyingly anti-social.